water painter - nataliegramleystamps

elegant leaves water lift card

by nataliegramleystamps | Sep 23, 2026 | card samples, die cutting, embossing folders, new catalog, techniques

I love this technique and I have shown it multiple times but somehow die cutting it into leaves hits differently! These leaves are stunning and the varigation of color that this technique produces is just awesome!

Follow along today to see how this technique is accomplished!

Measurements:
BASE: Calypso Coral CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″
Basic White CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″, scraps for blending
technique, 1 1/4″ x 4″ for sentiment

Take a scrap piece of Basic White CS and using a glass matte surface choose three Fall colors to blend with blending brushes.

I started with Cherry Cobbler ink and a dedicated Blending Brush for that color – in a circular motion starting off the paper and transitioning on I blended two edges with this ink.

Next I blended Pumpkin Pie ink with a dedicated blending brush in other spots on this cardstock.

I filled in any of the white space with the last color Calypso Coral and went over any of the other colors to blend and increase hue if necessary.

Using a Water Painter I squeezed water into a puddle on the glass to the side of the paper and dipping the brush into the puddle I tapped water droplets onto the cardstock.

I dabbed off the excess and dried the paper with a Heat Tool – it is important that the cardstock be TOTALLY DRY prior to die cutting.
The Elegant Leaves are a delicate die with many thin strips the paper has to be dry before die cutting!

Die cut the Elegant Leaves dies from this blended background.

I blended the 1 1/4″ strip with the same three colors and then stamped the sentiment in Cherry Cobbler ink over the background and cut the end at an angle for added interest.

I embossed the 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic White CS layer with the Rustic Check 3D embossing folder, wrapped the NEW Calypso Coral and Copper ribbon around the upper edge of the embossed layer and secured with Scotch tape on each end and adhered the layer to the Calypso Coral card base.

I popped up the sentiment piece with Stampin’ Dimensionals to the bottom left hand corner of the embossed layer.

I adhered the blended leaf dies around the sentiment piece tucking them under and over the sentiment.

I added Adhesive-backed Metallic Gems in Copper to coordinate with the ribbon around the sentiment piece to finish off the card with matching sparkle and shine!

You need to try this easy technique with the dies you have in your collection and see what you can create!

Here is another sample using another sentiment from the Lily of the Valley stamps set.

I dropped the next card right on top of one of my ink pads and got an ink splotch on the upper corner – I always say mistakes are creative opportunities so this sample got an extra die cut over the ribbon and ink splotch!

And finally the blended and water lifted paper was just to pretty not to use the negative – so here is a card made from the negative die space and the NEW Softly Woven 3D embossing folder as a background.

Now it’s your turn to create something with this blended and water lifting technique – one stamp at a time – see what you can make!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List

Elegant Leaves Bundle (English)

[168303]

$52.00

Elegant Leaves Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[168300]

$25.00

Lily Of The Valley Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[167937]

$21.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[166780]

$14.00

Calypso Coral 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[122925]

$14.00

Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad

[147101]

$9.00

Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad

[147083]

$9.00

Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad

[147086]

$9.00

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]

$17.00

Blender Pens

[102845]

$14.00

Water Painters

[168253]

$13.00

Tear & Tape Adhesive

[154031]

$7.00

Paper Snips

[103579]

$12.00

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

[149653]

$140.00

Elegant Leaves Dies

[168302]

$33.00

Rustic Check 3 D Embossing Folder

[168442]

$10.00

Softly Woven 3 D Embossing Folder

[168466]

$12.00

Calypso Coral With Copper Border 3/8" (1 Cm) Ribbon

[168444]

$9.00

Adhesive Backed Metallic Gems

[163780]

$9.50

← more color mondays - daffodil delight, cajun craze and mossy meadow luxe foliage product of the month hot foil card →

frosted pinecones offset gate fold card

by nataliegramleystamps | Sep 9, 2026 | card samples, Designer Series Paper, die cutting, fun fold, techniques

This Pinecone stamp is lovely and detailed.
This card uses that image in all it’s glory!

This offset Gate Fold card showcases the Frosted Pinecones Bundle.

Measurements:
BASE: Secret Sea CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored 2 1/2″ and 6 3/4″
DSP: 2 1/4″ x 5 1/4″, 1 1/2″ x 5 1/4″
Basic White CS: 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″, 1/2″ x 4″,
4″ x 5 1/4″

Adhere the DSP panels – the larger DSP layer on the first left-hand panel and the smaller DSP layer on the right-hand panel.

Stamp the large pinecone image in Secret Sea ink on the 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ layer.

Using a Water Painter blend the ink from the stamped Pinecone.

Die cut the watercolored Pinecone.

Place the die cut over the gate fold to locate where to put Stampin’ Dimensionals only on the left-hand side of the Gate Fold.

Place the stamped and watercolored Pinecone onto the Stampin’ Dimensionals on the card front.

Stamp the “winter wishes” sentiment in Secret Sea ink and the dotted image on the 1/2″ x 4″ strip. Adhere over the pinecone image.

Adhere five Dewdrops embellishments around the card for the final coordinated touch.

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

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List

Frosted Pinecones Bundle (English)

[168373]

$66.50

Frosted Pinecones Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[168369]

$25.00

2026–2028 In Color™ Gingham Gallery 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[168218]

$12.50

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]

$17.00

Blender Pens

[102845]

$14.00

Water Painters

[168253]

$13.00

Tear & Tape Adhesive

[154031]

$7.00

Paper Snips

[103579]

$12.00

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

[149653]

$140.00

Frosted Pinecones Dies

[168371]

$34.00

Dewdrops Embellishments

[167748]

$9.00

← more color mondays - azure afternoon, hydrangea hue, and blueberry bushel #CI126 butterfly flight hot foil bundle →

making a watercolor template – friendly seagulls watercolor card

by nataliegramleystamps | Feb 21, 2025 | card samples, my favorites, new catalog, Sale-a-bration, stamps ink paper, techniques

Today’s blog post is about creating a template with dies to use to watercolor through the negative space to create a unique background.
Today I wanted to create a segmented background of equal squares so i used the smallest square die from the Stylish Shapes die set and ran a 4″ x 5 1/4″ layer of Basic White through the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine creating two rows of three die cuts resembling window panes.

Measurements:
BASE: Coastal Cabana CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Pool Party CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″
Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper: 1/2 sheet
Basic White CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″ for mask/template
scraps for stamping

Using 3M Post-it Labeling and cover up tape I secured down one side of the template over the watercolor paper – because the Fluid 100 1/2 sheet is smaller than the template make sure that the template is evenly spaced on the watercolor paper.

Squeeze the lid of the Coastal Cabana ink pad and get some ink on the lid.
With a Water Painter place a few drops of water onto the lid and mix the ink and water with the brush. I used the medium brush size from the three piece set that comes with when you order the Water Painters #151298 3 painters in a set $13.00.
Brush the inside of each die opening with the watercolor wash.

Allow to dry before removing the template.

Remove the template and make sure the surface is totally dry before stamping.

I stamped in Tuxedo Black Momento ink the flying birds image in the top two boxes.

I stamped the fish image in the middle left-hand box and the shells image in the lower right-hand box.

On scraps of Basic White CS I stamped two of the birds from the Friendly Seagulls FREE Level One Sale-a-bration Rewards stamp set that you can earn with a $60 order. I think this is such a fun set!

I used Stampin’ Blends to color the birds: Pool Party Light and Dark to color the wings and Smoky Slate to shade the bellies and wings of the seagulls, Lemon Lolly for their beaks and webbed feet and crumb cake dark for the french fries.

I fussy cut the birds using the Stampin’ Up! Paper Snips which are the best knife edged scissors to fussy cut with as you can cut all the way to the tip!

I adhered the birds onto the remaining two boxes.

I stamped “hey friend” sentiment in the upper left-hand box to finish the stamping on the card!

I popped up the watercolored layer on Stampin’ Dimensionals and added it to the 4″ x 5 1/4″
Pool Party layer.

Opening the Paper Snips scissors and running one of the blades across the edges of the Pool Party layer I distressed the edges of this layer and then adhered it to the Coastal Cabana base card.

I finished off the card with the new Sparkle Gems but just as easily could have used the Riverside Irregular Pearls on this project as well
Which do you like better?

Try this water coloring template technique and show me what you create!
Which embellishment do you like better?

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

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List

Friendly Seagulls Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[164961]

$17.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[159276]

$13.00

Coastal Cabana 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[131297]

$11.50

Pool Party 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[122924]

$11.50

Coastal Cabana Classic Stampin' Pad

[147097]

$9.00

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

[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 Stampin' Dimensionals

[144108]

$4.25

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.25

Paper Snips

[103579]

$12.00

Blending Brushes

[153611]

$15.00

Water Painters

[151298]

$13.00

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

[149653]

$130.00

Stylish Shapes Dies

[159183]

$30.00

Riverside Irregular Pearls

[164937]

$9.00

Two Tone Sparkle Gems

[164633]

$9.50

← january swap cards more color mondays - melon mambo, peach pie and flirty flamingo →

thoughtful journey dsp tri-fold fun fold card

by nataliegramleystamps | Nov 20, 2024 | card samples, Designer Series Paper, die cutting, fun fold, stamps ink paper, techniques

Today’s blog post details the instructions of how to make this tri-fold fun fold card. A perfect palette to display this lovely Designer Series Paper called Thoughtful Journey.

Measurements:
BASE 1: Berry Burst CS: 5 1/2″ x 6 1/4″
scored at 2″
BASE 2: Berry Burst CS: 5 1/4″ x 8 1/4″
scored at 4 1/8″
DSP: 1 3/4″ x 5″ on card front 1
3 7/8″ x 5″ on card front 2
Focal point 1:
Berry Burst CS: 2 1/2″ x 4 1/4″
Basic White CS: 2 1/4″ x 4″
Focal Point 2:
Berry Burst CS: 2 1/4″ x 4″
Basic White CS: 2″ x 3 3/4″
Basic White CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″

Adhere the BASE #2 (5 1/4″ x 8 1/4″ piece) of Berry Burst CS with the opening to the left to the larger portion of the BASE #1 with the smaller panel to the left of the larger adhered panels.

Adhere the 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic White layer to the middle panel of the card base.

Adhere the 1 3/4″ x 5″ DSP piece to the outside smaller panel on the BASE #1.
Adhere the 3 7/8″ x 5″ DSP Piece to the outside of the Left flap of BASE #2.

Stamp the open leaf stamp from the Thoughtful Wishes stamp set in Mossy Meadow on the 2 1/4″ x 4″ Basic White piece. Stamp the sentiment on top in Berry Burst ink and color the edges with the Blending Brush.
Adhere the Basic White layer to the 2 1/2″ x 4 1/4″ Berry Burst layer.

Stamp the smaller group of flowers on 2″
x 3 3/4″ in Shaded Spruce ink on the bottom of the layer.
Color the inside of the leaves with the water painter. Color the petals with Berry Burst ink.
Adhere the Basic White layer to the 2 1/4″ x 4″
Berry Burst layer and add small strips to finish off the layer.
Adhere the two layers back to back on the smaller panel.

Stamp an inside sentiment onto the 4″ x 5 1/4″ on the inside of the card.

I die cut the large die from the Thoughtful Wishes out of a water splattered Berry Burst blended layer.
Adhere the die cut to the left inside panel.

Add some Iridescent Discs to either side of the die cut on the inside of the card.

Adhere more Iridescent Discs to the card front.

Another beautiful extended fun fold that allows for multiple messages!

Try this fun fold and create some art work of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List

Thoughtful Journey Suite Collection (English)

[163320]

$86.75

Thoughtful Wishes Bundle (English)

[163314]

$55.75

Thoughtful Wishes Cling Stamp Set (English)

[163305]

$25.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[159276]

$13.00

Berry Burst 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[144243]

$11.50

Berry Burst Classic Stampin' Pad

[147143]

$9.00

Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Pad

[147111]

$9.00

Shaded Spruce Classic Stampin' Pad

[147088]

$9.00

Thoughtful Journey 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[163303]

$12.50

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 Stampin' Dimensionals

[144108]

$4.25

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.25

Paper Snips

[103579]

$12.00

Blending Brushes

[153611]

$15.00

Water Painters

[151298]

$13.00

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

[149653]

$130.00

Thoughtful Wishes Dies

[163313]

$37.00

Iridescent Adhesive Backed Discs

[161954]

$7.00

← more color mondays - berry burst, old olive and fresh freesia so swirly multi-panel fun fold card →

more color monday – night of navy, old olive, and basic beige

by nataliegramleystamps | Nov 4, 2024 | card samples, color challenge, die cutting, my favorites, stamps ink paper, techniques

When I saw the frame die from the Winterly Tree Tops I knew it would be one of my favorites! When I saw the negative space from the frame die I got the feeling of looking up into the night sky. So I decided on this card for this week’s More Color Monday challenge.
Today’s More Color Monday is all about Night of Navy, Old Olive and Basic Beige!

Measurements:
BASE: Basic Beige CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Old Olive CS: 3 3/4″ x 5 1/4″
Basic White CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″ and 3/4″ x 4 1/4″

Take the negative space from the Winterly tree Tops frame die. Using a Blending Brush with Night of Navy ink.

Use a water painter and add a few drops of White Craft ink into the Craft White ink pad cover. Add a few drops of water and stir the ink and water with the Water Painter brush.
Using a bone folder tap the Water painter over the Night of Navy inked negative die.

Brush the edges of the Old Olive cardstock layer with Old Olive ink.

Adhere the Night of Navy layer onto the Old Olive cardstock.

Adhere the Old Olive cardstock onto the Basic Beige cardstock base.

Stamp the “thinking of you” sentiment onto a 3/4″ strip with Night of Navy ink and die cut with the banner die from the Greetings of the Seasons dies.