creating unforgettable details in card making or scrapbooking

creating unforgettable details in card making or scrapbooking

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

more color mondays – pretty peacock, granny apple green and misty moonlight sneak peak

more color mondays – pretty peacock, granny apple green and misty moonlight sneak peak

Today’s More Color Mondays color challenge features the new $5 Product of the Month called Painted Illusions! (look at the artistic designs below) This paper is gorgeous and I selected the colors based on the DSP!

This is a super simple, fun fold that is fun to make called the Split Front card.

Measurements:
BASE: Pretty Peacock CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2, cut at 1 1/2″ then again at
2 1/2″
DSP: 4″ x 5 1/4″
Basic White CS: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″

Cut 1 1/2″ off the bottom of the card front.

Then cut another 2 1/2″ off the same side.

You will end up with 1 1/2″ on the top of the card front below the score line and two cut pieces.

Cut 1 1/4″ off each side of the DSP.
Attach the Top piece of the design to the cardstock still attached to the card front.
Adhere the bottom 1 1/4″ piece to the first piece cut off the card.
I cut 1/4″ piece off the middle piece of DSP and added that to the bottom of the inside Basic White 4″ x 5 1/4″ layer.

Then I adhered the middle piece of of DSP to the second piece cut off the card front.

Place the bottom matted piece aligned to the bottom of the card base and twist the middle piece and add Stampin’ Seal or Tear & Tape to only the top and the bottom and attach the middle piece vertically between the top and bottom matted pieces.
I took the second piece of Basic White layer and cut three dies from the upcoming March Online Exclusive bundle Springtime Scenes! This is a SNEAK PEAK and will not be available for a couple more weeks therefore it will not be listed below in the photo click-ables at the end.
Using Granny Apple Green and Pretty Peacock ink and blending brushes I colored the dies and stamped the sentiment from this upcoming set in Pretty Peacock ink.
I adhered the left side only of the die cut circle and placed it on the middle DSP piece hanging over the open edge.

I popped up the leaf and adhered the sentiment piece under it careful to not adhere the part that would hang over the open edge on the left.

I added three Sparkle Dot Essentials in the green color to add some bling and this simple card is complete!

Try this simple fun fold today and go create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

photopolymer tricks

photopolymer tricks

Did you hear the announcement?
Stampin’ Up! will be transitioning to photopolymer stamps for our entire line!

We will be discontinuing our signature red rubber stamp line for several reasons.

Cling Stamps (Red Rubber)
We’ve decided to discontinue our cling stamp line due to key raw materials becoming increasingly difficult to source, with some no longer being manufactured at all. We will continue to offer a wide range of photopolymer stamps to support various artistic styles and techniques.

Other product line updates:

Stampin’ Write Markers
We have also decided to discontinue Stampin’ Write Markers. With the growing popularity of Stampin’ Blends, we’ve seen a steady decline in sales of Stampin’ Write Markers. One of the primary techniques unique to Stampin’ Write Markers is coloring directly on cling stamps—a technique that will become less relevant as we transition away from cling.

New and Improved Stamp and Die Packaging
As part of our transition away from cling stamps, we’re excited to introduce updated packaging for stamps and dies! Because photopolymer stamps are thinner, we’re able to offer sleeker, slimmer packaging that saves space. Both stamps and dies will now come in the same size and style of packaging, making it easier than ever to store bundles and coordinating products together. The new packaging is similar to our current die packaging—durable, clear plastic envelopes—but with an exciting improvement: Die packaging will now feature printed artwork for quick and easy identification! Stamp packaging will continue to display artwork as well.

One of the exciting things about photopolymer stamps is their ease of use – being clear it is easy to see where and what you are stamping as well as line up the image in relationship to other images already on the paper!

Because these stamps are flexible you can manipulate their shape to a certain degree. Today’s project uses this tip and trick – I am using the Everyday Arches stamp set which already has a natural curve to the stamp image but I wanted to use it in conjunction with the Sunshine Vibes rainbow dies!

Here is the original shape of the stamp – I am using the “you are simply fantastic” sentiment.

Measurements:
BASE: Poppy Parade CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″, scrap for rainbow die
Calypso Coral CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″, scrap for die
Basic white CS: 3″ x 4″ for the rainbow base die
Crushed Curry CS: scrap for rainbow die
Pumpkin Pie CS: scrap for rainbow die

Manipulate the photopolymer stamp into the shape desired and place on the acrylic block.
Place the largest rainbow strip on the white base for a guide and then stamp the sentiment in Poppy Parade ink to match the card base.

Adhere the rainbow strips to the Basic White CS rainbow base.

Emboss the Calypso Coral layer in the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine with the So Swirly embossing folder using the BASE plate #1, and (2) cutting plates #3 as this is a regular width embossing folder.
Tie a 1/4″ white ribbon knot on the lower third of the embossed layer.
Adhere the embossed layer to the card base.
Pop up the rainbow focal point onto Stampin’ Dimensionals and adhere above the ribbon on the embossed layer.
I used the white Starburst Sequin to finish off this fun card that showcases just one of the cool things you can do with photopolymer stamps!

Try you hand at bending and stamping a photopolymer stamp into a different shape and go create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

layout #106 – new washi tape wreath card plus tip

layout #106 – new washi tape wreath card plus tip

I am in love with this new extra wide washi tape that coordinates with the Extraordinary Flora Bundle!
There are so many possibilities for this product…

First I want to share a tip I came up with – I don’t know about you but have you ever struggled finding the ends of your tape rolls?
I do sometimes and I did not want to waste a smig of this washi tape! So when I initially unwrapped the tape I saved the sticker from the packaging. I also save the plastic that comes with our photopolymer stamp sets! (I save way too many things just ask my hubby LOL) I rummaged through my drawer that contains all of my plastic strips from the photopolymer stamp sets and looked for the size that I needed. It needed to be long enough to reach most of the way around the washi tape roll and wide enough to run end to end.
I lifted the washi tape edge and connected it to one side of the plastic, I pressed the washi tape edge flat onto the plastic and laid it down again on the washi tape and rolled the plastic sheet around the roll and connected the two ends of the plastic sheet together with the sticker!
This works amazing the edge is always ready for use and accessible!

This card is modeled off my latest card sketch #106 – make a card using this sketch and let me know how it turns out!

Measurements:
BASE: Gorgeous Grape CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Basic White CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″, scrap for the
circle die, scrap for the washi tape at least
3 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ , scrap strip for the sentiment

SLowly unpeel the washi tape from the roll and lay on the Basic White CS layer measuring at least 3 1/2″ wide and 5 1/2″ long but can be longer. I used my fingers and a bone folder to get any wrinkles and creases out of the tape.

I used 3M tape to hold the detailed die in place to cut the washi tape images out.

Emboss the 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic White layer in the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine using the Distressed Tile embossing folder.

Adhere the embossed layer to the card base leaving an even border the entire way around.

Die cut a smaller circle (I used the one that measures approximately 2 1/2″ in diameter – you want room to use the washi tape dies.

I used a blending brush and Gorgeous Grape ink to color the circle in a gradient pattern leaving the center lighter than the edges.

I popped the circle die onto Stampin’ Dimensionals so I could use the washi tape images above and below the die.

Start to arrange the die images around the circle building your wreath image.

I kept even the partial images and tucked those under – nothing was wasted!

Stamp the sentiment in Gorgeous Grape ink and I cut out the sentiment and adhered it in rows in the circle center.

Once you like your arrangement secure the washi tape die images around the circle with your favorite adhesive.
I finished the card with the Purple Fine Shimmer Gems to give the wreath card some coordinating sparkle.

Try making a wreath card with your supplies!
Now go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

fruit salad sale-a-bration double z fold card

fruit salad sale-a-bration double z fold card

Who doesn’t like fun folds? It is one of the most fun types of cards to make – some take a little extra time and materials but they are so worth it!
The Double Z Fold card is a fairly simple design that any card maker can achieve! Try one out and see!

Measurements:
BASE: Garden Green CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 2 3/4″ and 5 1/2″
second z fold strip 1 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 2 3/4″ and 5 1/2″
DSP: 6″ x 6″ piece
Basic White CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″ inside layer
scrap for sentiment die cut
Colored CS: scraps for Mini Alphabet dies

To best utilize your DSP I got all pieces needed out of ONE 6″ x 6″ piece of DSP – cut it this way!
If your paper is directional decide first how you want the direction to run and cut accordingly!
I wanted the watermelon stripes running up and down on the 2 1/2″ x 4″ pieces so I made sure to position the paper that way.
I cut two 1″ strips off the bottom of the paper.
Cut the 4″ x 6″ piece of DSP in (2) 2 1/2″ x 4″ pieces this left me with a 1″ x 4″ strip which I also used.
Cut the 1″ strips into (1) 1″ x 5 1/4″ and
(2) 1″ x 2 1/2″ strips.

Adhere the 4″ x 5 1/4″ layer to the inside of the 4 1/4″ x 11″ card base.
Adhere the 1″ x 4″ sttrip to the right-hand side of the Basic White layer I left a small border on the right-hand side.
Adhere the (2) 2 1/2″ x 4″ pieces of DSP onto the first two panels of the large base card.
Flip the smaller 1 1/4″ x 11″ piece so that the score lines are oppositely positioned from the large base card. (the larger panel will be adhered to the smaller front panel. This will make a difference if like my card your patterned paper is directional! I wanted my watermelon seeds to have the point side up so I made sure to position them accordingly before adhering onto the panels. Adhere the 1″ x 5 1/4″ strip to the larger left-hand side panel, then adhere the 1″ x 2 1/2″ strips to the two smaller panels on the right-hand side of the 1 1/4″ z-fold.
Match the edges of the smaller Z fold with the first small panel of the larger z fold base card and adhere the first 2 1/2″ portion of the 1″ x 5 1/4″ strip that will be attached to the card. **NOTE: if you put adhesive on the entire 5 1/4″ strip you will adhere the fun fold closed and it will not work because the adhesive will attach to the back of the smaller panel.**
Place adhesive on the back of the third smaller strip and close the card this will attach the smaller z-fold in the correct position.
I realized after I photographed this card that the die cut I grabbed out of my stash was from the retired Everyday Details die set but you can use the Stylish Shapes or Spotlight on Nature dies to get a similar look.
I stamped the sentiment from the Ice Cream Swirl stamp set and cut out the A from the “make a wish” sentiment.
I colored the die with a blending brush in Real Red before popping up the A on the die.
I used a Water Painter in Real Red ink and tapped it over the die cut piece with a bone folder to create a tone on tone splatter effect.
I adhered the circle die to the smaller front z-fold panel.
I took two pieces of Black twine from the Bakers Twine Essentials pack and tied a double bow and adhered it to the sentiment piece with a mini glue dot.
I had a bunch of letters die cut from a previous card in Melon Mambo and instead of wasting them I spelled out MELON and colored them with a blending brush in Real Red ink which gave them a depth of color and texture! Added BONUS!
I adhered the letter die cuts from the Mini Alphabet dies to the top of the second smaller z-fold panel.

I fussy cut three watermelon slices and adhered them to the inside panel of the z-fold and added Iridescent Adhesive-Backed Discs to finish off this fun fold card!

You do want to be conscious of the fact that some of the inside panel will be visible when the card front is closed so decorate accordingly!

Try this easy fun fold and see what you can come up with!

Now go and create some fun fold art of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie