shadow block technique painted illusions card

shadow block technique painted illusions card

by | Feb 27, 2026 | card samples, Designer Series Paper, stamps ink paper, techniques

I love this simple technique not only does it efficiently use up scraps of paper but it looks so cool! And you can create this card with minimal supplies – BONUS!

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″, 1″ x 3″
Misty Moonlight CS: (12) 1″ x 1″ squares, 1″ x 3″
DSP: (12) 1″ x 1″ squares

Place a small amount of glue or tape on one of the Misty Moonlight squares and attach one of the DSP squares on top of it with the bottom and right hand side of the Misty Moonlight square peeking out evenly as shown in the photo.
Do 11 more squares varying the pattern making sure to put the “shadow” in the same place each time.
Stamp the Hello Sunshine sentiment from the Exploring Nature stamp set in Misty Moonlight ink on the 1″ x 3″ Basic White CS layer.
Mount this layer onto the 1″ x 3″ Misty Moonlight CS layer with the same pattern of offset as a “shadow”
Start to place the double shadow squares on the card front – 3 across and four down.

TIP: When I adhere something across the span of the card I place the outside images first and then center the middle in between the two outside images – it is easier to space them this way!

Next I place the four down so I can match the rows and columns evenly.

Adhere all the shadow squares to the card front.

Finish adhering the squares lining them up in even rows.
Pop up the sentiment piece on Stampin’ Dimensionals and place on the card over the shadow squares.
Place the sentiment piece in the middle of the four rows.
I added three Pearlized Faceted Circles to finish off this fun card!

Try this simple technique with your paper scraps and see what fun art work you can create – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Exploring Nature Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 166913 ]
[166913]
$20.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Misty Moonlight 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 153081 ]
[153081]
$14.00
Misty Moonlight Classic Stampin' Pad [ 153118 ]
[153118]
$9.00
Painted Illusions 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 167977 ]
[167977]
$5.00
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
Pearlized Faceted Circles [ 166978 ]
[166978]
$8.00
gift card slider fun fold

gift card slider fun fold

by | Feb 11, 2026 | card samples, Designer Series Paper, die cutting, fun fold, gift card holder, online exclusives, techniques

Today’s post is a little late but as they say better late than never, right? Some days you just get tied up with unforseen duties!

This gift card slider fun fold is worth the wait though!

Measurements:
Summer Splash CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Basic White CS: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″, scraps for
stamped sentiment and word die
Lemon Lolly CS: 2 3/4″ x 3 3/4″, 1 1/2″ x 6″
scored at 2″ and 2 1/2″
DSP: 3″ x 4 1/4″,2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″

Take one of the 4″ x 5 1/4″ and stamp the circle image from the Swirled Designs bundle in Summer Splash randomly around the layer.
Adhere to the card base.

I stamped the second 4″ x 5 1/4″ piece with one circle image and added it to the inside of the card.

Take the larger DSP layer and die cut a hole in the center I used one of the sentiment dies from the Words of Beauty die set.
Turn the DSP layer over and place Stampin’ Dimensionals around the perimeter with the exception of under the die cut hole.
Attach the smaller DSP layer to the Lemon Lolly matte piece.

Score the 6″ long Lemon Lolly layer at 2″ and 2 1/2″. Then add a piece of Tear & Tape between the two score lines. On the back side of the smaller section add another piece of Tear & Tape to the top edge.

Fold the Tear & Tape piece of cardstock so both score lines are resting against the back of the Lemon lolly layer at the middle top edge.
Remove the backing from the Tear & Tape and attach.
Slide the long edge through the die cut hole and remove the second piece of Tear & Tape.

Lay the Lemon Lolly matted DSP piece in the center of the bottom piece of DSP and rub over the area where the Tear & Tape will attach.

I die cut the word because from the Words of Beauty die set in three matching colors and adhered them together.

I die cut the long sentiment die and inked up the It’s Your Birthday in Summer Splash and stamped it on the die.

I adhered Stampin’ Dimensionals to the sentiment.
I die cut the intertwined circle die in Vellum and attached it to the back of the long sentiment piece then adhered both the words and sentiment piece to the outside card flap.

I added a punch to the bottom of the pull tab piece and added some Darling Duckling ribbon.

I added a matching gift card to the inside upper edge of the pull tab.
I added five Shades of Green Hexagons for the embellishments!

Pull the tab and reveal your gift card so stinkin’ cute and what a fun way to present the gift card!

Try this tutorial and make this slider gift card holder with your supplies – now go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Swirled Designs Bundle (English) [ 167311 ]
[167311]
$42.25
Swirled Designs Photopolymer Stamp Set [ 167030 ]
[167030]
$19.00
Words Of Beauty Bundle (English) [ 167090 ]
[167090]
$45.75
Words Of Beauty Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167083 ]
[167083]
$20.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Lemon Lolly 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 161720 ]
[161720]
$14.00
Summer Splash 8 1/2" X 11 Cardstock [ 163797 ]
[163797]
$14.00
Splash Of Sparkles 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper [ 167200 ]
[167200]
$16.50
Summer Splash Classic Stampin Pad [ 163809 ]
[163809]
$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
Summer Splash Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [ 163826 ]
[163826]
$11.00
Blending Brushes [ 153611 ]
[153611]
$15.00
Tear & Tape Adhesive [ 154031 ]
[154031]
$7.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Words Of Beauty Dies (English) [ 167089 ]
[167089]
$31.00
Shades Of Green Hexagons [ 165233 ]
[165233]
$8.00
Swirled Designs Dies [ 167032 ]
[167032]
$28.00
layers of beauty – lovely color combination

layers of beauty – lovely color combination

by | Feb 6, 2026 | card samples, card swap, masks, my favorites, techniques

I chose the Layers of Beauty bundle and masks for my February swap card for my demonstrators group and this is the card I came up with. The colors are a soft subtle palette with the flower petals layered with Bubble Bath, Petunia Pop and Blackberry Bliss, with a dash of Lemon Lolly in the daisy flower centers and Gray Granite and Lost Lagoon for the leaves. I paired that with the Textured Metallic Specialty paper for a beautiful card.

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″, (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″, 3 3/4″ x 5″
Textured Metallic DSP: scrap for sentiment
matte and word die

Stamp the large floral image on one of the 4″ x 5 1/4″ layers in Memento Tuxedo Black ink.

Take mask #1 from the layers of Beauty masks set and secure it over the image. Use a blending brush and color in the openings with Bubble Bath ink.

Place #2 mask over the floral image and secure with tape.

Use another blending brush and Petunia Pop ink in the openings of mask #2.

For mask #3 use the Blackberry Bliss ink and a blending brush.
Clean mask #3 with water and use Lemon Lolly ink and another blending brush on just the daisy centers.

Use Gray Granite ink for mask #4.
Finally use mask #5 with the Lost Lagoon ink.
The finished masked product is something lovely and easy to reproduce!
Die cut the floral image out.
I cut the large image into 4 different pieces to lay around the sentiments.
Emboss the 3 3/4″ x 5″ layer with the Timber 3D embossing folder.
Adhere the embossed layer to the other 4″ x 5 1/4″ layer.
Die cut the word die “just” from the words of Beauty die set in the Textured Metallic Specialty paper.

Die cut the matte sentiment piece from the Words of Beauty in the Textured Metallic Specialty paper.

Die cut the smaller sentiment piece that fits in the matte piece you just cut from a Basic White scrap.

Using Versamark ink stamp the word LOVELY from the Words of Beauty stamp set and heat emboss with WOW silver embossing powder and a heat tool.
I adhered the single rose piece to the right-hand bottom corner of the embossed layers.
I popped up on Stampin’ Dimensionals the larger two rose colored piece to the left-hand upper corner.
I tucked the daisy piece under the two rose piece and adhered it down to the embossed layer.
I adhered the lovely sentiment heat embossed piece to the textured metallic matte and then popped it up on mini Stampin’ Dimensionals and adhered it to the left-hand lower corner.
I adhered the “just” die cut and dot for the J over the lovely sentiment piece.
Adhere the layers onto a Basic White CS base.
I adhered five Basic Rhinestone Jewels to the card front.
And last but not least I slipped the little curly cue of floral buds under the lovely sentiment piece to finish off the card!

I love coloring this set it is so gratifying!

Now it’s your turn to create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Layers Of Beauty Bundle (English) [ 163519 ]
[163519]
$56.50
Layers Of Beauty Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 163514 ]
[163514]
$20.00
Words Of Beauty Bundle (English) [ 167090 ]
[167090]
$45.75
Words Of Beauty Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167083 ]
[167083]
$20.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Textured Metallic 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Paper [ 163772 ]
[163772]
$8.50
Bubble Bath Classic Stampin' Pad [ 161664 ]
[161664]
$9.00
Blackberry Bliss Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147092 ]
[147092]
$9.00
Gray Granite Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147118 ]
[147118]
$9.00
Lemon Lolly Classic Stampin' Pad [ 161666 ]
[161666]
$9.00
Lost Lagoon Classic Stampin' Pad [ 161678 ]
[161678]
$9.00
Petunia Pop Classic Stampin Pad [ 163811 ]
[163811]
$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
Birch Wood 3 D Embossing Folder [ 164069 ]
[164069]
$12.00
Layers Of Beauty Dies [ 163518 ]
[163518]
$30.00
Words Of Beauty Dies (English) [ 167089 ]
[167089]
$31.00
Layers Of Beauty Decorative Masks [ 163517 ]
[163517]
$15.00
Rhinestone Basic Jewels [ 144220 ]
[144220]
$6.00
introducing the new stampin’ positioner – available in starter kits now

introducing the new stampin’ positioner – available in starter kits now

by | Feb 4, 2026 | card samples, color theory, masculine cards, new catalog, stampin' tools, stamps ink paper, techniques

Stampin’ Up! has introduced the NEW Stampin’ positioner and we are so excited about this new tool. It is currently available to demonstrators as a pre-order and in the starter kits as a FREE bonus item! It will be available to customers soon!

Truthfully I loved our former stamp positioner and was sad to see it go away but this one works very well and I am so ready to have a new tool to use!

The press and pop design is genius and it allows you to hover the stamp over the surface without it touching the paper until you press down on the upper platform piece allowing you one last chance to make sure that the stamp is in the correct position! I love this feature!

This card uses the smaller leaf cluster from the Textured Notes stamp set to make a repetitive stamped wreath!

Measurements:
BASE: Old Olive CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″
Basic White CS: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″

On the platform there is a etched paper corner that allows you to line up your paper and turn it and place it in the exact position!

The positioner comes with 5 pieces: 1 magnetic base plate, 2 magnets designed with plastic lift tabs (brilliant), 1 large stamp plate and one small alignment plate.

I aligned the 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic White layer in the corner marking shown in the first photo. I secured the paper with the 2 magnets.

Place the stamp sticky flat side up positioned on the paper where you want the image.
Place the large stamp plate in the four posts and press down on the plate to pick up the stamp.

Sometimes new stamps come with a residue and can stick to the paper to prevent this clean the new stamps before using.

Remove the large stamping plate and ink the stamp. Place the large stamping plate back in the four posts of the base.

It hovers over the surface without touching the paper so you can make sure the stamp is in perfect alignment!

Press down on the large stamping plate to stamp and then remove the stamping plate from the base to see if the stamp has transferred to your satisfaction.

If not, re-ink the stamp. place the plate back on the base and press again.

If it is stamped to your satisfaction remove the plate and reposition the paper to the next corner of the paper in the etched corner marking.
Secure the paper with the magnets, re-ink the stamp and place the large stamping plate on the base.

Press down to stamp the image.

Move the paper to the next corner in the etched corner marking.
Repeat the process – re-ink the stamp place the large stamping plate in the base and press down.
Move it to the last corner and then repeat.
Place the paper horizontally on the Stampin’ Positioner and place the stamp in the position you want to stamp it.
Stamp the leaf image to complete the wreath
I forgot to take the first horizontal stamp so this is the paper turned 180 degrees and stamped to close the wreath image!
I placed the layer on my glass mat and blended the edges with the Old Olive ink.
I placed the layer back on the Stampin’ Positioner and placed the sentiment flat side up on the layer where I wanted to stamp it.

I placed the large stamping plate over the sentiment stamp and pressed down to secure the photopolymer stamp on the plate.

I inked it in Old Olive ink and stamped it on the layer.

I wanted to stamp a sentiment from the Prayers and Promises stamp set from the January to April 2026 mini catalog on the inside – this set is photopolymer and I also wanted to stamp the leaf image from the Textured Notes which is red rubber.

These stamps are different widths so you should stamp them separately but I wanted to show you what happens when you mis-stamp something and how easy it is to fix a stamping project with this Stampin’ Positioner!

So I stamped both stamps at the same time and the photopolymer being thinner did not stamp completely. So I removed the leaf stamp and restamped the sentiment – I didn’t even need to re-ink just re-pressed the stamp to the paper!

I blended the edges with a blending brush and some Old Olive ink and adhered it to the inside of the card – crisis averted!
I added a brass butterfly to the inside around the inside sentiment.
I distressed the edges of the front layer and blended the turned down corners with a blending brush and ink.

I adhered the layer to the card front. I added brass butterflies to finish off this sympathy card for a sweet friend that lost her husband.

Cards can be a comfort to let you know that people are thinking about you in your grief – I have received many cards in the past week and they do make a difference – I love that I can make and teach people to make something that brings comfort to those in need of it!

Go and make a card today to send to a friend that needs to hear from you! Go and create your own artwork – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Prayers & Promises Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167014 ]
[167014]
$20.00
Textured Notes Cling Stamp Set (English) [ 165548 ]
[165548]
$23.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Old Olive 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 100702 ]
[100702]
$14.00
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
Blending Brushes [ 153611 ]
[153611]
$15.00
Brushed Brass Butterflies [ 158136 ]
[158136]
$10.00
card sketch #115 – get inspired with sketches

card sketch #115 – get inspired with sketches

by | Jan 2, 2026 | card samples, card sketches, Designer Series Paper, die cutting, masculine cards, new catalog, sneak peak, techniques

Today’s post is all about simplifying the creative process! Ever feel stumped sitting at your desk with a lot of choices and no clear direction? All of us get that way – I find I lose my mojo when my space is messy – but I can get in a creative slump at any time and when I do using a card sketch can prime the creative juices into flowing again!

So today’s card sketch #115 is all about getting the creative juices flowing with a simple layout!

I had so much fun with this sketch that I have a bunch of samples to show you different ways to make this sketch come to life!

Measurements:
BASE: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″. scored at 4 1/4″
DSP: 1″ or 1 1/8″ x 3″
Layers: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″
Scrap for sentiment focal point
scrap for die cut

The perfect thing about a sketch is that it is only a spring board for your imagination!

The pool party sections in the sketch can be DSP, cardstock, embossed cardstock, stamped background images and anything else your creative soul can devise!

That is what I love about sketches even though everyone starts with the same template the outcome is whatever you can make of it!

In my first example I cut the DSP strips at 1 1/8″ x 3″ and adhered them to a Basic Beige 4″ x 5 1/4″ layer.

I die cut from an Old Olive scrap a Textured Notes rectangular die and stamped Love and Hugs sentiment from the Greenery lane stamp set in Mossy Meadow ink for some contrasting color.
I adhered the Basic Beige layer onto a Mossy Meadow card base and popped up the sentiment layer on Stampin’ Dimensionals.
I die cut a greenery piece in Basic Beige scrap from the Greenery Lane die set and adhered it to the bottom portion of the sentiment die.

I added three Antique Pearls to the sentiment layer around the words to highlight them!

Since the base is a darker colored cardstock I added a Basic Beige layer stamped with a leaf image from the Greenery Lane stamp set in Mossy Meadow ink to tie the whole card together!
The second sample I used a different page from the Nature Walk DSP like the first card but changed the color scheme and made the DSP strips 1″ x 3″ for a little paper saving I cut a 3″ x 4″ DSP piece and cut into (4) 1″ x 3″ strips! I just needed to adjust the space in between the strips on the card front.
I used Crumb Cake, Pecan Pie and Early Espresso with the script DSP pieces and stamped the inside as well!
In my third sample I used embossed cardstock strips with the new Online Exclusive Beautiful Pattern 3D embossing folder. and the sentiments and die from the Boardwalk Fun bundle from the upcoming 2026 January to April mini catalog available on Tuesday!
I still had all the cardstock out from yesterday’s post card and I used the same colors Pretty in Pink, Flirty Flamingo and Bubble Bath!
For my last sample I made my own DSP by stamping images on a 3″ x 4 1/2″ piece of Basic White cardstock using Pretty Peacock, Poppy Parade and Granny Apple Green ink and images from the Greenery Lane stamp set.

I cut those into 1 1/8″ x 3″ pieces keeping them in order so the stamped pattern flows from strip to strip!

I embossed the vertical piece and popped up a sentiment over the Poppy Parade layer!

Use your imagination for the strips make them different sizes or from different colors and materials! See what you can design – now go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp – one sketch at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Remember the SNEAK PEAK items will not be listed in the photo links below until they are available on January 6th!

And plan on joining me next Saturday for my new catalog open house!

Product List
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Basic Beige 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 164511 ]
[164511]
$14.00
Bubble Bath 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 161718 ]
[161718]
$14.00
Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 120953 ]
[120953]
$14.00
Early Espresso 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 119686 ]
[119686]
$14.00
Flirty Flamingo 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 141416 ]
[141416]
$14.00
Mossy Meadow 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 133676 ]
[133676]
$14.00
Old Olive 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 100702 ]
[100702]
$14.00
Pecan Pie 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 161717 ]
[161717]
$14.00
Poppy Parade 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 119793 ]
[119793]
$14.00
Pretty In Pink 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 163793 ]
[163793]
$14.00
Pretty Peacock 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 150880 ]
[150880]
$14.00
Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147114 ]
[147114]
$9.00
Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147111 ]
[147111]
$9.00
Pretty In Pink Classic Stampin Pad [ 163807 ]
[163807]
$9.00
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [ 132708 ]
[132708]
$8.00
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
Beautiful Pattern 3 D Embossing Folder [ 167097 ]
[167097]
$10.50
Textured Notes Dies [ 165555 ]
[165555]
$31.00
2025–2027 In Color™ Flat Pearls [ 165192 ]
[165192]
$8.50
Antique Pearls [ 164679 ]
[164679]
$8.50