splash and relax water card

splash and relax water card

by | Jul 24, 2026 | card samples, die cutting, masks, techniques

Today’s blog post is a super simple card using the Water and Dotted Lines 12″ x 12″ Decorative Masks and the Splash and Relax bundle!

Measurement: Pool Party CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Coastal Cabana CS: scrap pieces for dies
Gorgeous Grape CS: scraps for dies
Basic White CS: scrap for circle die

Place the Water Decorative Mask over the entire surface of the Coastal Cabana card front.

Hold down with your fingers over tape to your grid paper.

Using a blending brush and Pool Party ink blend ink in a circular motion over the water mask until desired color depth is achieved.

Die cut the flip flop bases in Coastal Cabana CS and Gorgeous Grape CS. Die cut the flip flop straps in each color also. Die cut the drinking cup in Coastal Cabana CS and the cap in Gorgeous Grape CS.
Die cut the large circle from the Spotlight on Nature dies set in Coastal Cabana CS and the next size smaller in Basic White.
Glue the die cut pieces together.

Stamp the Hello Sunshine sentiment in Coastal Cabana ink from the Splash and Relax stamp set on the Basic White circle die from the Spotlight on Nature die set.

Adhere the Basic White circle to the Coastal Cabana circle.

Pop up the sentiment circles to the upper center of the card base. Star to adhere the flip flops and cup to the card below the circles.

Finish adhering the coordinating die cuts to the card front.
Place some coordinating Sunset Sparkle Sequins around the card to give it some Summer Sparkle and this card is complete!

Try these masks to make a great fun water background soon! Now it’s your turn to create a fun background – one stamp at a time.

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Splash & Relax Bundle [ 167903 ]
[167903]
$44.00
Splash & Relax Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167901 ]
[167901]
$21.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Coastal Cabana 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 131297 ]
[131297]
$14.00
Gorgeous Grape 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 146987 ]
[146987]
$14.00
Pool Party 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 122924 ]
[122924]
$14.00
Pool Party Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147107 ]
[147107]
$9.00
Water & Dotted Lines 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Decorative Masks [ 167760 ]
[167760]
$21.00
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
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
Splash & Relax Dies [ 167902 ]
[167902]
$28.00
Spotlight On Nature Dies [ 163580 ]
[163580]
$35.00
Sunset Sparkle Sequins [ 167785 ]
[167785]
$8.50
card sketch #128 – capturing smiles card

card sketch #128 – capturing smiles card

by | Jul 10, 2026 | card samples, die cutting, embossing folders, stamps ink paper, techniques

Today’s blog post is a simple fun camera card with pops of Poppy Parade red!

I got the Capturing Smiles bundle a while ago to use for both card making and scrapbooking and hadn’t used it yet so I tried out a card for you all today!

Today is also a sketch challenge #128!
Try your hand at this fun card sketch!

Measurements:
BASE: Poppy Parade CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Basic White CS: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″, scraps for dies

Stamp multiple small camera images in Poppy Parade ink.
Stamp the large camera base image in basic Gray.
Stamp the open lens circle in Basic Gray and the inner lense image in poppy Parade.

Die cut all of the stamped images and one tag out of the scrap Basic White CS. Stamp the sentiment love this Smile in Poppy Parade ink inside the tag die cut.

Color the camera base image with Smoky Slate Stampin’ Blends markers.
Adhere the open Basic Gray die cut to the center of the camera base.
Emboss one of the Basic White 4″ x 5 1/4″ layers with the Forever Plaid 3D embossing folder.

Adhere to the Poppy Parade cardstock base.

Adhere the Poppy Parade center shutter image on Stampin’ Dimensionals in the center of the Basic Gray open lense circle.
Adhere the camera base to the embossed layer on the card.
Adhere three smaller Poppy Parade camera images to the left hand side of the embossed layer.

Pop up the sentiment tag with ribbon or Real Red and White Twine through the tag hole over the larger camera image.

Adhere the last two smaller Poppy Parade camera images to the other 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic White layer and adhere to the inside of the card base.
Add three Sunset Sparkle sequins to the card to finish it off.

I love this little sketch so many possibilities for those little boxes to the right – stamped images or pieces of DSP…

Try your hand at this sketch and show me what you create! Now it’s your turn to create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Capturing Smiles Bundle (English) [ 167133 ]
[167133]
$45.75
Capturing Smiles Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167130 ]
[167130]
$24.00
Basic White 8 1/2
[166780]
$14.00
Poppy Parade 8-1/2
[119793]
$14.00
Poppy Parade Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147050 ]
[147050]
$9.00
Stampin' Glass Mat Studio (Imperial) [ 163987 ]
[163987]
$60.00
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
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
Capturing Smiles Dies [ 167132 ]
[167132]
$27.00
Forever Plaid 3 D Embossing Folder [ 164049 ]
[164049]
$12.00
Sunset Sparkle Sequins [ 167785 ]
[167785]
$8.50
Real Red & White Baker's Twine [ 164051 ]
[164051]
$5.00
creating a faux layer card

creating a faux layer card

by | Jul 1, 2026 | card samples, stamps ink paper, techniques

Have you ever created a faux layer with masking?

This is a simple card using 3M sticky notes to create a mask to make a white “faux” layer diagonally across the middle of the Basic White layer to give the illusion of an extra layer in the middle of the card!

Measurements:
BASE: Real Red CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Basic White CS: 4″ x 5 1/2″

I adhered three sticky notes together and cut them to the width desired.

Attach to the Basic White layer diagonally in the center of the Basic White layer.

In Real red ink stamp the flat florer across both sides of the 3M sticky note mask and around the edges of the layer.
Blend the layer with the mask in place with a blending brush and Real Red ink.
Remove the mask and stamp the sentiment diagonally from the Phrases and Frames stamp set in Real Red ink.
Cut a length of Red ribbon an inch or two wider than the layer and tape the edges to the back of the Basic White layer.
Adhere the Basic White layer to the Real Red cardstock base.
Adhere three embellishments to the card to finish off this easy faux layer card!

Try this easy technique and let me know when you create! Now it’s your turn to create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Opulent Oasis Bundle (English) [ 167595 ]
[167595]
$56.50
Opulent Oasis Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167591 ]
[167591]
$25.00
Phrases & Frames Bundle (English) [ 167587 ]
[167587]
$49.50
Phrases & Frames Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167581 ]
[167581]
$21.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 102482 ]
[102482]
$14.00
Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147084 ]
[147084]
$11.00
Stampin' Glass Mat Studio (Imperial) [ 163987 ]
[163987]
$60.00
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
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
Opulent Oasis Dies [ 167594 ]
[167594]
$38.00
Phrases & Frames Dies [ 167586 ]
[167586]
$34.00
demonstrators choice onstage swap

demonstrators choice onstage swap

by | Jun 11, 2026 | card samples, card swap, Designer Series Paper, die cutting, embossing folders, fun fold, online exclusives, stamps ink paper, techniques

Another Dapper Gent Swap to show you, my friend Michael D. runs multiple swaps for the OnStage every year and this year I participated in four of them.

This one was Demonstrator’s choice – a nicer name than pot luck LOL!

This first card was made by demonstrator Sandy C. and the Homemade Sweetness suite of Products.

Andrea S. designed this lovely Get Well Soon card using the Brushed With Beauty DSP, Friendly Foliage stamps, Gallery Blooms dies and the Exposed Brick 3D Embossing Folder.

The Embossing folder is retired now but the other items are still available I love the design of this card!

This Spring card was made by Mary M. using the Easter Basket stamp set and Easter Joy DSP the stamp set is still available on the Last Chance list and the inventory for the DSP is getting LOW – it’s only $11.40 from the original price of $19!
This fabulous masculine geometric card by Dana M. uses the Stylish Shapes dies and lots of fun DSP with the Forever Plaid Embossing Folder background!
The Striped foiled DSP is from Pleasant Patterns DSP and is on the Last Chance list! and is ONLY $6!
Judy K. used the popular Cutest Crew Bundle for this adorable masculine card!
This swap card by Yolanda N. uses the Endless Love Bundle and the Made with Love DSP. The Endless Love bundle is on the Last Chance list!
the stamp set is $14 from the original $20 and the dies are $19.80 from the original $33!
This swap card didn’t have a name with it so I am sorry I can not give credit but this center flap fun fold is adorable with the Cute as a Bug Suite Collection of products!
Anne O. designed this lovely Made with Sweetness Bundle card with the Lovely Lines 3D embossing folder background!
Patti Jean W. designed this card which features the Fabulous Sayings Product of the Month which is no longer available!
The background is the So Swirly embossing folder which is on the Last Chance list and ONLY $5.25!
This 3D fun fold by Julie B. uses the Forever Florals Bundle and has a sweet little tower design on the left hand side to allow your creation to stand!

Hope these great cards gave you a little extra inspiration – now it is your turn – go and create some artwork of your own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Cute As A Bug Suite Collection (English) [ 167007 ]
[167007]
$75.25
Petals Of Beauty Bundle (English) [ 167096 ]
[167096]
$49.50
Petals Of Beauty Photopolymer Stamp Set [ 167093 ]
[167093]
$20.00
Basic White 8 1/2
[166780]
$14.00
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
Blending Brushes Storage [ 160519 ]
[160519]
$16.00
Tear & Tape Adhesive [ 154031 ]
[154031]
$7.00
Water Painters [ 168253 ]
[168253]
$13.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Forever Florals Dies [ 167443 ]
[167443]
$36.00
Forever Florals Bundle (English) [ 167444 ]
[167444]
$49.50
Forever Florals Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167440 ]
[167440]
$19.00
Ladybug Picnic 3 D Embossing Folder [ 167478 ]
[167478]
$10.00
So Swirly Embossing Folder [ 163791 ]
[163791]
$10.50
Cutest Crew Bundle (English) [ 167149 ]
[167149]
$45.00
Cutest Crew Dies [ 167148 ]
[167148]
$31.00
Cutest Crew Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167146 ]
[167146]
$19.00
Stylish Shapes Dies [ 159183 ]
[159183]
$30.00
Pleasant Patterns 12
[166950]
$10.00
Easter Joy Suite Collection (English) [ 166954 ]
[166954]
$92.00
Made With Love Suite Collection (English) [ 167079 ]
[167079]
$98.00
Homemade Sweetness Suite Collection (English) [ 167481 ]
[167481]
$96.00
Made With Sweetness Bundle (English) [ 167492 ]
[167492]
$49.50
Made With Sweetness Dies [ 167491 ]
[167491]
$35.00
Everyday Arches Dies [ 164629 ]
[164629]
$29.00
Filled With Sweetness Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167469 ]
[167469]
$24.00
Lovely Stripes 3 D Embossing Folder [ 167179 ]
[167179]
$11.00
using the new stampin’ positioner tool

using the new stampin’ positioner tool

by | Mar 18, 2026 | stampin' tools

Stampin’ Up!’s new Stampin’ Positioner is the latest in a long line of practical and innovative Stampin’ tools! We are super excited to have a stamp positioning tool back in the Stampin’ Up! inventory and this one is exceptional.

With its spring loaded design, the stamp sits above the paper until you press on the plate and bring the stamp in touch with the cardstock, which makes this design ideal for this card technique!

When you are making a card with a repeating design – it is imperative to place the stamp in an exact position and be able to re-stamp if the image is not perfect. Placement is key for this type of project and this spring loaded board delivers!

Measurements:
BASE: Granny Apple Green CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Basic White CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″, scraps for masking

Place the Basic White CS layer on the bed of the Stampin’ Positioner and place the two magnets down on the paper to hold the paper in place.
Attach the floral stamp onto the Stamp Positioner plate – make sure that it is hovering over the cardstock layer exactly where you would like to have the stamped image.
Ink up the stamp and press down on the sring loaded plate to stamp the image.
Remove the plate and if the image did not stamp properly you can ink again and stamp in the same spot.

If the stamp if complete rotate the paper and place the plate with the stamp over the paper – adjust the paper if the stamp will not stamp in the place that you would like it to be.

Take the masks that you pre-stamped and pre-cut and place one over the stamped image to protect it from the stamp and ink.

Once the second stamp is placed and stamped rotate the paper and mask the image closest to where the new stamp will be.

Place the plate back on the positioner and make sure that when it is stamped it will be in the right place.

Ink up the stamp and press down to stamp, remove the mask and rotate the paper for the last stamp to complete the wreath shape.

For this last stamp placement you will m=need two masks one for the left and right stamped images – cover with the masks, make sure that the stamp is hovering over the place you would like to stamp it. Ink up the stamp and press down on the spring loaded platform plate.
Remove the layer from the Stampin’ Positioner and using blending brushes color the flowers in Poppy Parade ink.
Color the leaves and the outer edges of the layer in Granny Apple Green ink with a blending brush.
Adhere the Basic White CS layer to the Granny Apple Green CS base.
Adhere three embellishments – I used some retired embellishments from the holiday mini but there are many current ones that would look excellent with this card like the Sparkle Dot Essentials!

This Stampin’ Positioner is a great tool to add to your Stampin’ Supplies. Now it’s your turn to create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Beautiful Motifs Bundle (English) [ 165206 ]
[165206]
$45.75
Beautiful Motifs Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 165198 ]
[165198]
$18.00
Gallery Blooms Bundle [ 165213 ]
[165213]
$53.00
Gallery Blooms Photopolymer Stamp Set [ 165211 ]
[165211]
$19.00
Basic White 8 1/2
[166780]
$14.00
Granny Apple Green 8-1/2
[146990]
$14.00
Granny Apple Green Stampin' Pad [ 147095 ]
[147095]
$9.00
Poppy Parade Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147050 ]
[147050]
$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
Blending Brushes Storage [ 160519 ]
[160519]
$16.00
Tear & Tape Adhesive [ 154031 ]
[154031]
$7.00
Water Painters [ 168253 ]
[168253]
$13.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Beautiful Motifs Dies [ 165205 ]
[165205]
$33.00
Gallery Blooms Dies [ 165212 ]
[165212]
$40.00
Sparkle Dot Essentials [ 166991 ]
[166991]
$8.00