creating unforgettable details in card making or scrapbooking

creating unforgettable details in card making or scrapbooking

by | Mar 11, 2026 | card samples, embossing folders, more than a card, my favorites, out of the box stamping, scrapbooking, stamps ink paper, techniques

Sometimes creating something special for a card or a scrapbooking page makes that piece memorable or a little extra special.

This week I am going to be at our national convention called OnStage 2026 and I created a bunch of swap cards for the event.

We are expected to use only current products and current colors, so I modified a card I did a few weeks ago and instead of using Designer Series Paper to create the beach blanket in my beach scene I wanted to create a beach blanket made out of background paper that I made.

I looked through my embossing folder as I knew that I wanted to add texture on top of whatever background design I created and decided that the Beautiful Patterns would be a great choice to mimic a blanket texture and design!

I wanted to do matching colors for the card I had designed so I started with Crumb Cake and Balmy Blue inks and did a watercolor wash striped design on our Basic White Cardstock alternating with two wide brushes from our Water Painters three brush sets.

I then dipped my very wet brush into the lid of the stampin’ pad filled with ink refill dots of ink and tapped the side of the brush with my bone folder over the watercolored paper to create a splatter effect.
I decided that the Beautiful Pattern 3D embossing folder would create a nice embossed design over the paper, so I ran it through our Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine with the BASE #1 and Embossing #4 Plates.
I cut the 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ embossed layers into
1 1/2″ strips.
Then I cut the 1 1/2″ strips into 2″ segments so I created a little rectangular blanket shape.
I took our knife edged scissors which unfortunately are no longer for sale – but use a sharp scissors to cut small fringe across the short edges on both sides.
I added the blanket to the sand of my beach scene card!
Then I proceeded to make 99 more! LOL – now I am ready to swap!

Cannot wait to show you all the great cards I will be trading for in the next coming days! I will have all of them on display at this month’s Stamp-a-Stack class on the 23rd!

Make sure that you RSVP!

Now I am off to visit and stamp with new and old friends – hope you are getting to do the same! Now go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Rolling Waves Bundle (English) [ 167145 ]
[167145]
$51.25
Rolling Waves Photopolymer Stamp Set [ 167142 ]
[167142]
$20.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Balmy Blue 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 146982 ]
[146982]
$14.00
Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 120953 ]
[120953]
$14.00
Balmy Blue Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147105 ]
[147105]
$9.00
Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147116 ]
[147116]
$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
Rolling Waves Dies [ 167144 ]
[167144]
$37.00
Iridescent Pearl Basic Jewels [ 158987 ]
[158987]
$7.50
embossed designs mix and match cards and envelopes card

embossed designs mix and match cards and envelopes card

by | Mar 4, 2026 | card samples, die cutting, Mix and Match, techniques

We have such a great catalog but sometimes it is overwhelming and very cool things can easily be missed. One of those items is the Embossed Designs Mix and Match cards and envelopes, on page 25 of the current annual catalog. These cards and envelopes come in two embossed designs: stripes on the card front and envelope flaps and polka dots. The package contains 10 cards and envelopes, 5 of each design for $10.00. Order # is #165358. I used the striped design for the card design.

Measurements:
BASE: folded card designs is 4 1/4″ x 6 1/4″
Basic White CS: 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″, 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″

Blend the top 2/3 of the 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ layer of Basic White with Soft Sea Foam ink and Lost Lagoon ink. Blend the bottom 1/3 of the layer with Real Red ink.
Stamp in Tuxedo Black Memento ink three ladybug images from the Springtime Scenes stamp set from the Online Exclusives March Release that dropped yesterday.

Run the layer through the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine with the Base#1, thin die adaptor #2 and two cutting plates #3 with one of the circle dies from the Springtime Scenes die set on the top of the blended layer and cut out each of the three ladybugs.

Take the smaller scrap of Basic White CS and blend with the Lost Lagoon and Soft Sea Foam inks and blending brushes.
Stamp “You brighten my day” with Tuxedo Black memento ink onto the smaller blended scrap of Basic White CS.
Adhere the die cut to the top of the Embossed Designs card.
Die cut the sentiment blended piece and adhere it below the circle die on the card front.
Adhere the ladybugs around the circle die – some directly to the card some popped up on Stampin’ Dimensionals.
Adhere three embellishments to the card – the clear circles from the Ladybug Garden Epoxy Shapes.

These overlooked cards and envelopes create some elevated and easy cards and envelopes. Try this item soon and create some artwork one stamp at a time.

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

P.S. The Springtime Scenes dies are currently unavailable to order so they will not appear below on the photo links until they are available.

Product List
Springtime Scenes Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167457 ]
[167457]
$20.00
Basic White 8 1/2
[166780]
$14.00
Embossed Designs Mix & Match Specialty Cards & Envelopes [ 165358 ]
[165358]
$10.00
Lost Lagoon Classic Stampin' Pad [ 161678 ]
[161678]
$9.00
Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147084 ]
[147084]
$9.00
Soft Sea Foam Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147102 ]
[147102]
$9.00
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [ 132708 ]
[132708]
$8.00
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
Ladybug Garden Epoxy Shapes [ 167005 ]
[167005]
$8.00
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
more than just cards – party banners and party alphabets

more than just cards – party banners and party alphabets

by | Feb 20, 2026 | die cutting, more than a card, out of the box stamping, retiring products

Stamps and Dies are such a great investment they are for SO MUCH more than just cards.
I use my products for scrapbooking and when the children were younger I was VERY popular around science fair time LOL!

Today’s post is all about the Party Banners and Party Alphabet. As many of you know my mother passed away unexpectedly a few weeks ago and tomorrow is her funeral Mass and luncheon. She was forever gardening and cooking and taking care of everyone. I made some picture boards for the luncheon and a used some retired Designer Series Paper called Forever Greenery – it is perfect for my plant loving mom.

I created four boards of baby, teen, college and marriage and grandchildren and entitled them Celebrating a Life Well Lived.

Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers!

The first few photos are of the individual banners and letters…

This is the first board entitled “Celebrating” and has her pictures as a youngster.
Here is the second board – a little older and it’s entitled “A Life”

The third board is of college and young married life and is entitled “Well”
The last board would have been her favorite her family, children and grandchildren – entitled “Lived!”

Thanks for stopping by come back for More Color Mondays in a few days!

Happy Stampin’ (stampin’ through the happy and the sad!)
Natalie

Product List
Party Dies Bundle [ 165265 ]
[165265]
$125.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Granny Apple Green 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 146990 ]
[146990]
$14.00
Granny Apple Green Stampin' Pad [ 147095 ]
[147095]
$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
Party Alphabet Dies [ 165263 ]
[165263]
$99.00
Party Banners Dies [ 165264 ]
[165264]
$40.00
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