more color mondays – berry burst, lemon lime twist and gorgeous grape

more color mondays – berry burst, lemon lime twist and gorgeous grape

by | Jul 28, 2025 | card samples, color challenge, color theory, die cutting, embossing folders, my favorites, online exclusives, techniques

Today’s More Color Mondays continues a study in color theory using a complimentary, opposing colors of Berry Burst, Lemon Lime Twist and Gorgeous Grape.

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored 4 1/4″
4″ x 5 1/4″, scraps for dies, (3) strips

Paint the 1/4″ strips with a blender pen and Berry Burst ink in a striped pattern.
Paint the remaining strips with the individual colors.
Emboss the 4″ x 5 1/4″ layer with the Mini Corrugated 3D embossing folder.

Splatter the embossed layer with Berry Burst ink.

Die cut a Basic White scrap with two consecutive Stylish Shapes dies to make an open circle.
Cut Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals in half around the back of the circle die.
Die cut the large banner die from the Stylish Shapes die set and stamp the Happy Birthday from the Beautiful Butterflies stamp set in Berry Burst ink.
Cut the three strips down to about 4″ to 4 1/4″ length and adhere them to the embossed layer in alternating pattern.
Pop up the open circle die over the three strips.
Pop up the Happy Birthday sentiment over the circle die.
Brush Berry Burst ink with a Blending Brush over the small butterfly die from the Beautiful Butterflies bundle.
Adhere to the circle die over the sentiment piece.
Adhere the embossed layer over the card front.
Place three Fine Shimmer Purple Gems around the card to finish off with a sparkle.

This is a great use of Strip scraps and using opposite colors works so well! Opposites attract right!

Try this color combination or another complementary one – now go create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Beautiful Butterflies Bundle (English) [ 164615 ]
[164615]
$59.25
Beautiful Butterflies Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 164608 ]
[164608]
$24.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Berry Burst Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147143 ]
[147143]
$9.00
Gorgeous Grape Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147099 ]
[147099]
$9.00
Lemon Lime Twist Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147145 ]
[147145]
$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
Blender Pens [ 102845 ]
[102845]
$14.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Beautiful Butterflies Hybrid Embossing Folder [ 164614 ]
[164614]
$42.00
Mini Corrugated 3 D Embossing Folder [ 165559 ]
[165559]
$11.00
Stylish Shapes Dies [ 159183 ]
[159183]
$30.00
Purple Fine Shimmer Gems [ 162611 ]
[162611]
$8.00
beautiful gallery watercolor gate fold card

beautiful gallery watercolor gate fold card

by | May 30, 2025 | card samples, die cutting, fun fold, In Colors, new catalog, techniques

Happy Friday! I am back in PA after settling my youngest in New England for a summer internship and after spending the day cleaning up dry wall dust that is EVERYWHERE! I took a much needed crafting break and created this gate fold watercolor card! Hope you like it!

Measurements:
BASE: Timid Tiger CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 2 1/8″ in from each end
Fluid 100 paper: (2) 1 1/2″ x 5 1/2″
Basic White CS: scraps for die cuts and
sentiment strip and 4″ x 5 1/4″ inside layer

I used a retired block (sorry I forgot that we had retired the I acrylic block) but you can use any size you have on hand!
I added color to the top third of the block by pressing the ink pad directly onto the acrylic block.

I applied Timid Tiger ink directly onto the middle of the acrylic block (it is ok to overlap a darker ink color but you will contaminate the ink pad if you stamp a lighter ink color over an existing darker color!)
I applied Poppy Parade to the bottom of the acrylic block.
I sprayed the acrylic block with water from a Stampin’ Spritzer and placed the two pieces of Fluid 100 paper together and stamped the block of ink directly onto the middle of the papers. I held the block in place for a few seconds to allow the water and ink color to penetrate the fluid 100 Watercolor paper.
Score the base card 2 1/8″ in from each side of the 8 1/2″ side of the card. Fold inward until the two sides meet in the middle – this is called a gate-fold card.
I added the 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic White layer to the inside of the card.
I stamped an image from the Gallery Blooms stamp set to the bottom of the Basic White layer for a little added interest!
I adhered the Fluid 100 papers right up to the inside edges of the gate fold.

I die cut two images from the Beautiful Motifs die set in scrap Basic White cardstock and adhered one to each side of the gate fold.

I stamped a thank you sentiment from the Beautiful Motifs stamp set in Timid Tiger to the left hand side of the 1″ x 5 1/2″ Basic White strip and added some flower images from the Gallery Blooms stamp set in Crushed Curry to the right hand side.
I adhered only the left hand side of the sentiment piece so that the card will still open.
I adhered three 2025-2027 In Color Flat Pearls in Timid Tiger to finish off the first version of this card.

I decided to add a little sparkle and depth to the card by adding a splatter technique by tapping the brush tip side of the Poppy Parade Stampin’ Blends over the card front.

I brushed the leaves and petals of the two die cuts with Wink of Stella and the wet brush moves a little of the ink color over the dies as well as added a fine sparkle that is gorgeous but subtle and it does not show well in these photos but trust me it is amazing!
Such a fun card and I am glad to be home and crafting again!

Try this fun fold and some of the techniques I shared and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Beautiful Gallery Suite Collection (English) [ 165217 ]
[165217]
$139.25
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" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper [ 149612 ]
[149612]
$9.00
Timid Tiger 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 165626 ]
[165626]
$14.00
Timid Tiger Classic Stampin' Pad [ 165278 ]
[165278]
$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]
$130.00
Beautiful Motifs Dies [ 165205 ]
[165205]
$33.00
Clear Block F [ 118483 ]
[118483]
$19.00
Clear Block I [ 118488 ]
[118488]
$13.00
Poppy Parade Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [ 154958 ]
[154958]
$11.00
Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush [ 141897 ]
[141897]
$9.00
2025–2027 In Color™ Flat Pearls [ 165192 ]
[165192]
$8.50
Stampin' Spritzer [ 126185 ]
[126185]
$6.00
beautiful butterflies shaker card

beautiful butterflies shaker card

by | Apr 11, 2025 | card samples, die cutting, embossing folders, my favorites, techniques

Today’s blog post is a shaker card with the Beautiful Butterflies bundle: for butterfly lovers like me this is an awesome bundle with a hybrid embossing folder and gorgeous coordinating stamp and die sets.

I had some watercolor paper left over from my March 22nd OnStage swap cards and I used the last of those papers for this special card that I mailed to a friend of mine for her birthday!

Measurements:
BASE: Lemon Lime Twist CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″
Basic Black CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″ embossed and cut
Window Sheet 3 1/2″ x 5″
Fluid 100 paper

Emboss the Basic Black layer with the Beautiful Butterflies folder and cut a 1″ border frame with the Stampin’ Trimmer.
Save the inside rectangle for the inside of the card.
Place Tear-n-Tape around the backside perimeter of the frame cut out.
Adhere the window sheet to the inside of the Basic Black layer.
Place foam adhesive strips around the backside opening of the rectangular opening.
Place a pile of Itty Bitty Bokeh Mix in the center of the Lemon Lime card base.
Remove the release paper off the foam strips and adhere the Basic Black frame to the card front so there is an even border the whole way around the card.
Adhere the large butterfly that we die cut out of the watercolored Fluid 100 paper to the lower right hand side of the frame.
Stamp the sentiment onto remaining Fluid 100 paper and die cut with the sentiment strip die and adhere above the rectangular opening .
Place glue dots on the card front to adhere additional Itty Bitty Bokeh sequins to the card front to decorate!
Adhere a Basic White 4″ x 5 1/4″ layer to the inside of the card.
Stamp a smaller butterfly in Tuxedo Black Memento ink at the top and adhere the rectangular frame cut to the lower right hand side of that layer and the inside has some fun interest!
Shake to your hearts content what a fun interactive card!
Try making a shaker card as your next project – now go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Beautiful Bokeh Suite Collection (English)
[164619]
$79.25
Beautiful Butterflies Bundle (English)
[164615]
$59.25
Beautiful Butterflies Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)
[164608]
$24.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[159276]
$13.00
Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[121045]
$11.50
Lemon Lime Twist 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[144245]
$11.50
Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper
[149612]
$9.00
Azure Afternoon Classic Stampin' Pad
[161663]
$9.00
Coastal Cabana Classic Stampin' Pad
[147097]
$9.00
Lemon Lime Twist Classic Stampin' Pad
[147145]
$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 Glue Dots
[103683]
$7.25
Mini Stampin' Dimensionals
[144108]
$4.25
Stampin' Dimensionals
[104430]
$4.25
Paper Snips
[103579]
$12.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine
[149653]
$130.00
Beautiful Butterflies Hybrid Embossing Folder
[164614]
$42.00
Foam Adhesive Strips
[141825]
$8.25
Blending Brushes
[153611]
$15.00
Stampin' Spritzer
[126185]
$6.00
Water Painters
[151298]
$13.00
Itty Bitty Bokeh Mix
[164618]
$7.50
making a watercolor template – friendly seagulls watercolor card

making a watercolor template – friendly seagulls watercolor card

by | 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
sketched butterfly double z gate fold card

sketched butterfly double z gate fold card

by | Oct 18, 2024 | card samples, fun fold, my favorites, stamps ink paper, techniques

This is a card that you can prop up on your desk and look at! I love fun folds and this is a fun one! It is called a double Z Gate fold card and was inspired by fellow demonstrator Connie S.’s video! Thanks for the inspiration. Thought I would share my version!

Measurements:
Basic White Base: 5 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 1 3/4″ and 3 1/2″ from each 5 1/4″
side
Gorgeous Grape CS: (2) 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″
(1) piece of 1 3/4″ x 5 1/2″
scrap for sentiment
Basic White CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″
DSP: 1 1/2″ x 5 1/4″

Score the Basic White CS and fold mountain fold at the 1 3/4″ on each side and a valley fold at the 3 1/2″ score line.
Adhere the large panel to one of the Gorgeous Grape 1/4 sheets of card stock.
Adhere the DSP to the Gorgeous Grape matte.
Adhere the DSP matted piece to the left hand panel of the Basic White card stock base.
On the 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic White card stock piece, stamp in Tuxedo Black Memento ink the medium sketched butterflies in random order.
Color one of the butterflies with your choice of watercolor pencils.
Brush the colored butterfly with a Water Painter to blend the watercolor pencils.
Adhere the 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic White card stock to the other Gorgeous Grape 1/4 sheet of card stock.
Die cut in Gorgeous Grape card stock the Nested Essentials.
Stamp the “wishing you a beautiful birthday” sentiment on the die with Tuxedo Black Memento ink.
I added three Purple Fine Shimmer Gems to the sentiment piece.
Run adhesive along the left-hand panel.
Adhere the matted panel to the left hand panel on the Basic White card stock base.
This is the 3D card – what a great way to display an extra special birthday card!

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

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Sketched Butterflies Bundle (English)
[163492]
$49.50
Sketched Butterflies Cling Stamp Set (English)
[163490]
$26.00
Basic White 8 1/2
[159276]
$13.00
Gorgeous Grape 8-1/2
[146987]
$11.50
Regals 6
[163774]
$12.50
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
Watercolor Pencils Assortment 1
[161700]
$18.00
Watercolor Pencils Assortment 2
[149014]
$14.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine
[149653]
$130.00
Nested Essentials Dies
[161597]
$34.00
Purple Fine Shimmer Gems
[162611]
$8.00