building a reflection with light and wonder set

building a reflection with light and wonder set

by | Oct 24, 2025 | card samples, die cutting, my favorites, new catalog, techniques

Have you ever wondered how to create a water reflection scene on a card? Well today I will describe my process that I used to create these cards for this reflection post!

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″
Basic Black CS: 2: x 5 1/2″

Die cut the Basic Black layer with the smaller tree die from the Light & Wonder bundle.

Take the 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic White layer and create a mirror image of the colors you choose for the sunset. I used Gorgeous Grape, Poppy Parade and Pumpkin Pie.

I started with the deepest color (Gorgeous Grape) on top and less on the bottom I used a circular motion for the color on the top but a back and forth motion on the bottom.

I continued with the second deepest color (Poppy Parade) below the Gorgeous Grape and less on the bottom just above the grape – I used a circular motion for the color on the top but a back and forth motion on the bottom.
I colored the middle of the layer with the Pumpkin Pie color and blending brush.
I positioned the die cut and the negative die cut above and below one another to get an idea of the placement.
Using a blending brush and Gray Granite ink I brushed in an upward stroke over the negative die space. Darker on the bottom and lighter as I stroked upward.
I colored over the bottom of the Basic White layer below the tree shadow reflections with a blending brush and Azure Afternoon ink for the water – because there is already color there the blue will color over but not completely mask the color so it looks like the water is reflecting the color in the sky! I placed more blue color closer to the tree line and less at the bottom of the layer.
Using a water painter and a drop of Craft White ink refill I lightly brushed side to side with the brush to streak the water with white lines and then went over the center area with a Wink of Stella glitter pen for a little sparkle!
I stamped the sentiments in Gorgeous Grape ink at the top of the layer.
Adhere the tree die just above the reflection shadow and cut off the overhang.
Adhere the colored layer onto the Gorgeous Grape card base.
I added three of the purple hued Frosted Iridescent Dots from the Lights of Aurora Suite Collection around the sentiment to finish off this stunning card with coordinating sparkle!

The first card that I did with this technique I tried Crushed Curry at the bottom inside of mirroring the colors and it took on a brighter tone like it captured the moments before the sun goes down! Two different looks just by experimenting with the colors used on the background! Try this technique and let me know what you create – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Lights Of Aurora Suite Collection (English) [ 165768 ]
[165768]
$81.25
Light & Wonder Bundle (English) [ 165763 ]
[165763]
$51.25
Light & Wonder Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 165756 ]
[165756]
$19.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 121045 ]
[121045]
$14.00
Gorgeous Grape 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 146987 ]
[146987]
$14.00
Azure Afternoon Classic Stampin' Pad [ 161663 ]
[161663]
$9.00
Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147087 ]
[147087]
$9.00
Gorgeous Grape Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147099 ]
[147099]
$9.00
Gray Granite Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147118 ]
[147118]
$9.00
Poppy Parade Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147050 ]
[147050]
$9.00
Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147086 ]
[147086]
$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
Water Painters [ 168253 ]
[168253]
$13.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Light & Wonder Dies [ 165762 ]
[165762]
$38.00
Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush [ 141897 ]
[141897]
$9.00
Frosted Iridescent Dots [ 165766 ]
[165766]
$9.00
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 spotlight technique

beautiful butterflies spotlight technique

by | Apr 4, 2025 | card samples, my favorites, stamps ink paper, techniques

I have always loved this technique it was one of the first techniques I learned over 23 years ago when I was brand new to stamping and it is just as simple and impressive today!

TO SPOTLIGHT:a projected spot of light used to illuminate brilliantly a person, object, or group on a stage. b. : public notice or attention.
While the dictionary definition helps the crafting term uses color instead of light to illuminate a small piece of the entire stamped image to create notice or draw attention!

What better stamp set to use this technique with than the Beautiful Butterflies!

Measurements:
BASE: Crushed Curry CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″
Basic Black CS: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″ and 2 3/4″ x 4 1/4″
Basic White CS: (2) 3 3/4″ x 5″ and 2 1/2″ x 4″

Place the two Basic White layers of cardstock smaller one on top and evenly spaced in the center of the larger layer.
Place the uninked large butterfly image over the layers and decide where you would like to place two partial images of the butterfly.
Ink up the entire butterfly image with Memento ink and stamp over both layers of cardstock press VERY firmly as you are stamping on two separate pieces of cardstock and need to get the image on the bottom layer as well as the smaller top layer.
(Do not worry if the image does not stamp just to the outside of the smaller layer this will be covered by the smaller Basic Black layer)
Color the butterfly images on the smaller layer ONLY! This is your SPOTLIGHT area.

I used Daffodil Delight light first then dark then light Stampin’ Blends markers to blend.
Then I colored the rest of the butterfly images on the smaller layer with the Pumpkin Pie Stampin’ Blends in the same order as with the Daffodil Blends. I went over the entire image with the Dark Daffodil Delight Stampin’ Blends to finish the blending of the butterfly spotlighted image.
Adhere the smaller Basic White layer to the smaller Basic Black image.
Adhere the large Basic Black image to the Crushed Curry cardstock base and then adhere the larger Basic White layer to the card base over the Basic Black layer.

Adhere the smaller spotlighted layers to the larger Basic White layer matching up the images as best you can.
Stamp the sentiment in Tuxedo Black Memento ink in the center of the two spotlighted butterfly images.
Stamp two smaller butterflies in Tuxedo Black Memento ink on the top and bottom diagonally on the other large Basic White CS layer.
Adhere to the second 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic Black layer and after stamping the sentiment adhere to the inside of the card base.
Apply Wink of Stella to the colored wings.
Adhere embellishments to finish off this spotlighting technique card!

I just LOVE the way this turned out – this is just one way to spotlight – try stamping and spotlighting one of your stamped images and see what artwork of your own you can create – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Beautiful Butterflies Bundle (English)
[164615]
$59.25
Beautiful Butterflies Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)
[164608]
$24.00
Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[121045]
$11.50
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[159276]
$13.00
Crushed Curry 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[131199]
$11.50
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
Daffodil Delight Stampin' Blends Combo Pack
[154883]
$11.00
Pumpkin Pie Stampin' Blends Combo Pack
[154897]
$11.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine
[149653]
$130.00
Beautiful Butterflies Hybrid Embossing Folder
[164614]
$42.00
Adhesive Backed Pearl Trio
[163319]
$7.50
bloom impressions double panel z-fold card

bloom impressions double panel z-fold card

by | Jan 15, 2025 | card samples, die cutting, fun fold, In Colors, new catalog, Sale-a-bration, techniques

Today’s card is an easy variation on a simple Z fold fun fold card just by adding two layered panels you get an added look and lots of space to decorate and embellish!

Measurements:
BASE: Shy Shamrock CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 2 3/4″ and 5 1/2″
DSP: 4″ x 5 1/4″ for inside BASE panel
and (2) 2 1/2″ x 4″ two left BASE panels
Melon Mambo CS: (2) 3 1/4″ x 4 1/2″
Peach Pie CS: (2) 3″ x 4 1/4″
Basic White CS: (2) 2 3/4″ x 4″
scrap for large butterfly die

I grabbed a 4″ x 5 1/4″ scrap of Basic White and stamped the largest butterfly image from the new Beautiful Butterflies bundle in Memento Black ink.
I colored the butterfly with the Peach Pie and Melon Mambo Stampin’ Blends markers and then die cut the image.
PAPER SAVING TIP: Whenever you have multiple layers that will be adhered to a surface you can die cut from the middle and reduce the weight of the card and get extra embellishments and dies from the paper that would have been covered!
I die cut four detailed smaller butterflies from the Beautiful Butterflies die set from the middle of the Melon Mambo layers.
(HAPPY ACCIDENT: forgot that the front layer would only be half adhered! See the results at the end LOL!)
Adhere the panel layers together and decorate as you wish.

I die cut one of the Basic White layers with the lattice die from the new Linked Together bundle.

Then I adhered and stamped and decorated with the Beautiful Butterflies bundle!

I adhered the 4″ x 5 1/4″ DSP to the inside BASE panel then I adhered the two smaller DSP panels to the two smaller left BASE panels.
I adhered the inside colored cardstock layered panels to the center of the back BASE panel over the 4″ x 5 1/4″ DSP layer.
I adhered three Sunny Day Iridescent Dots Embellishments to the front layered panel and adhered it so that it covers the panel on the inside so it is a little surprise when you open up the card!
Make sure that you only place adhesive on the left side of the panel as half the panel will be hanging off the first Z fold panel!
I adhered one last detailed small butterfly die back into the area I die cut that I forgot would not be covered OOPS! but here is my HAPPY ACCIDENT – think it looks like I meant to do it!

Hoping you can turn all of your accidents into happy ones!

Sale-a-bration is in full swing and you can earn FREE merchandise or get an awesome deal on the Starter kit!

My Open House will be moved to next Friday as I am still settling back in from vacation I realized that I did not schedule the e-mail invitation correctly and it did not send to you all! Another OOPS! In my defense my brain is still on island time!

Now go and try this fun fold whenever you get a chance – it is snowing here so that is always a good time to create! Go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
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
Melon Mambo 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[115320]
$11.50
Peach Pie 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[163799]
$11.50
Shy Shamrock 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[163795]
$11.50
Bloom Impressions 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper
[164944]
$12.50
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad
[132708]
$8.00
Melon Mambo Stampin' Blends Combo Pack
[153112]
$11.00
Peach Pie Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack
[163827]
$11.00
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
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine
[149653]
$130.00
Beautiful Butterflies Hybrid Embossing Folder
[164614]
$42.00
Linked Together Dies
[164808]
$34.00
Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush
[141897]
$9.00
Sunny Day Iridescent Dots
[164696]
$8.00
more color mondays – berry burst, old olive and fresh freesia

more color mondays – berry burst, old olive and fresh freesia

by | Nov 18, 2024 | card samples, Christmas card ideas, color challenge, die cutting, embossing folders, more color mondays, my favorites, stamps ink paper, techniques

Today’s More Color Mondays color challenge is layers of glimmer and trees of Berry Burst, Old Olive and Fresh Freesia in a non-traditional Christmas card for this installment of More Color Mondays.

Measurements:
BASE: Berry Burst CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
scrap for Christmas die cut
Basic White CS: 4 1/8″ x 5 3/8″
scrap for Christmas die cut
4″ x 5 1/4″ for background layer
Fresh Freesia CS: scrap for circle die
Glimmer paper: 2″ strips for tree die cuts

Using a blending brush, color the Basic White CS 4″ x 5 1/4″ with Berry Burst ink.
Spray the layer with a Stampin’ Spritzer and coat with a fine layer of water spritz.
Sprinkle the layer with the Wink of Stella pen.
Emboss the layer with the Distressed Tile 3D embossing folder.
Adhere the layer onto the 4 1/8″ x 5 3/8″ Basic White layer.
Adhere both layers to the card base.
Stamp the “in your heart” sentiment onto the Basic White circle die cut from the Stylish Shapes die set with Berry Burst ink.
(I eventually changed this layer to Fresh Freesia CS)
Die cut the Glimmer Paper with the Peaceful Evegreens die set.
Adhere to the left side of the card base.
Pop up the circle with Stampin’ Dimensionals onto the right-hand side of the card base.
I die cut the Christmas word die from the Peaceful Seasons dies from Berry Burst CS.
Adhere to the top half of the circle die.
Die cut the Christmas word matte in Basic White CS.
Emboss it in the Distressed Tile 3D embossing folder.
I decided I needed the white matte under the Berry Burst CS for the Christmas word die.
I added some Natural Linen Thread in green around the White and brushed layer.
I had added pink Pastel Adhesive-Based Sequins.
I replaced the Basic White circle with a Fresh Freesia circle.

This unusual winter scene is bright and beautiful! Try this layered technique and create a non-traditional Christmas card.

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

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Season Of Elegance Suite Collection (English)
[164030]
$154.75
Peaceful Evergreens Bundle
[164025]
$59.25
Peaceful Season Bundle (English)
[164021]
$52.00
Peaceful Season Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)
[164145]
$24.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[159276]
$13.00
Berry Burst 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[144243]
$11.50
Fresh Freesia 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[155613]
$11.50
Berry Burst, Old Olive & White 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Glimmer Specialty Paper
[163769]
$6.00
Berry Burst Classic Stampin' Pad
[147143]
$9.00
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
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine
[149653]
$130.00
Distressed Tile 3 D Embossing Folder
[162189]
$10.00
Peaceful Evergreens Dies
[164024]
$40.00
Peaceful Season Dies (English)
[164020]
$34.00
Stylish Shapes Dies
[159183]
$30.00
Natural Tones Linen Thread
[164071]
$9.00
Pastel Adhesive Backed Sequins
[160387]
$8.00