watercoloring technique - nataliegramleystamps

creating unforgettable details in card making or scrapbooking

by nataliegramleystamps | 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]

$51.25

Rolling Waves Photopolymer Stamp Set

[167142]

$20.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[166780]

$14.00

Balmy Blue 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[146982]

$14.00

Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[120953]

$14.00

Balmy Blue Classic Stampin' Pad

[147105]

$9.00

Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad

[147116]

$9.00

Stampin' Glass Mat Studio (Imperial)

[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]

$15.00

Blending Brushes Storage

[160519]

$16.00

Tear & Tape Adhesive

[154031]

$7.00

Water Painters

[168253]

$13.00

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

[149653]

$140.00

Rolling Waves Dies

[167144]

$37.00

Iridescent Pearl Basic Jewels

[158987]

$7.50

← more color mondays strawberry slush, calypso coral and secret sea celebrate spring february 2026 paper pumpkin alternate pop up card →

gallery blooms card sketch #101 layout

by nataliegramleystamps | May 14, 2025 | card samples, card sketches, die cutting, embossing folders, In Colors, my favorites, new catalog, techniques

Today’s blog post is the first in a series of cards using a card sketch. Card Sketches are a great starting point for creativity.

Sketch #101 starts with a base card with several layers including a natural element.

Measurements:
BASE: Secret Sea CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″
Cloud Cover CS: 2″ x 5 1/4″
Basic White CS: (2) 3″ x 4 1/2″ and 4″ x 5 1/4″

The trio of flowers image from the Gallery Blooms bundle has a long stem and I have a tip for proper placement for the coordinating die.

Gallery Blooms stamp set is a photopolymer stamp set and they can be repositioned so the stem might not be in the current position to be die cut. I die cut a scrap piece of Basic White cardstock with the trio floral stamp image. I put this die cut paper over the photopolymer stamp and adjusted the stem inside the die paper.

Take this positioned stamp image and ink it up in the Secret Sea ink and stamp on a scrap piece of Basic White CS.

Using a Blender Pen – which is a brush tip pen that contains clear ink – this clear ink can “re-wet” the Secret Sea ink of the trio flower image.
Draw the Blender Pen over the outlines of the flowers and spread the ink from the edges into the center.

Stamp the background stamp from Beautiful Motifs stamp set all across the front of the card base. Stamp in Secret Sea ink.

Color the edges of the card front in Secret Sea ink.

Emboss a 4″ x 5 1/4″ Cloud Cover CS piece with the Mini 3D embossing folder.
Cut the layer in half to 2″ x 5 1/4″.

Die cut the trio flower image with the coordinating die from the Gallery Blooms Bundle.

Adhere the embossed layer to the left hand side of the card base, mimicking the layer on the card sketch.

In card sketches, use your creative eye and know that you do not need to copy the sketch literally! For the circle in the sketch I added a rectangular layer instead of a circular image!

I die cut from the Textured Noted set of dies and stamped a sentiment from the Beautiful Motifs stamp set in the bottom right-hand corner.

I die cut the trio flower image from the Gallery Blooms stamp set and popped it up on the Textured Notes rectangular die cut.
This stamped image is the Natural element in the sketch – this element could be anything so use your imagination!

Adhere the rectangular die layer to the center and right of the embossed layer.

Stamp the flower tops on the bottom of the 4″ x 5 1/4″ layer Basic White CS and adhere it to the inside of the card.

I added three Secret Sea 2025-2027 In Color Flat Pearls to the card around the floral image and this is my take on Card Sketch #101.

Let me know what you come up with! Now grab some items from your personal stash and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List

Gallery Blooms Bundle

[165213]

$53.00

Gallery Blooms Photopolymer Stamp Set

[165211]

$19.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[166780]

$14.00

Cloud Cover 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[165621]

$14.00

Secret Sea 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[165624]

$14.00

Secret Sea Classic Stampin' Pad

[165285]

$9.00

Stampin' Glass Mat Studio (Imperial)

[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

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

[149653]

$130.00

Gallery Blooms Dies

[165212]

$40.00

Mini Corrugated 3 D Embossing Folder

[165559]

$11.00

Textured Notes Dies

[165555]

$31.00

2025–2027 In Color™ Flat Pearls

[165192]

$8.50

← more color mondays - berry burst, coastal cabana and gorgeous grape - paper pumpkin alternatives florals in bloom sketch #102 card →

beautiful butterflies shaker card

by nataliegramleystamps | 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

← march 2025 paper pumpkin alternatives more color mondays - secret sea, boho blue and cloud cover →

sketched butterfly double z gate fold card

by nataliegramleystamps | 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" X 11" Cardstock

[159276]

$13.00

Gorgeous Grape 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[146987]

$11.50

Regals 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[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

← humble home double box fun fold more color mondays - calypso coral, peach pie and daffodil delight →

changing leaves color blocking card

by nataliegramleystamps | Sep 11, 2024 | card samples, die cutting, stamps ink paper, techniques

Just a simple background technique can elevate a card and todays’ blog post is all about a few fun background techniques that will take your cards from simple to WOW!

A watercolor wash and a simple splatter technique make a HUGE difference on this card – follow along today to learn how to accomplish these techniques!

Measurements:
BASE: Cherry Cobbler: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″
Basic White layers: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″
scraps for the die cuts

I chose three Fall Colors and stamped the maple leaf image in each: Cherry Cobbler, Pumpkin Pie and Crushed Curry.

I used a waterpainter to color in the leaves open spaces pulling the ink from stamping the leaves into the open spaces between the veins and die cut each leaf.

I then used the waterpainter in a zigzag motion to color a third of the Basic White layer.

I stamped the sentiment onto the center lower section of the layer in Cherry Cobbler.

I popped up each of the leaves and placed onto there corresponding color on the Basic White layer.

I brushed each leaf with the WInk of Stella for a little added sparkle.

I adhered the Basic White watercolor washed layer to the Cherry Cobbler base and added some Iridescent Adhesive-Backed Discs tot he card front.

For the final pop I took each of the three colors in the Dark Stampin’ Blends marker and opening up the brush tip side I used the edge of my bone folder and tapped on the plastic sleeve of the marker near the brush tip to splatter ink onto the same color section of watercolored wash.

Just a little extra effort makes this simple card POP and adds so much depth, dimension and interest! Try these little additions to your card making and elevate your game! Now go and create some art of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie