Limited-Time Bonus: Get the Sketch Me Happy Guide FREE!

I'm so excited to share something I've been working on behind the scenes — and it's finally ready!

Sketch Me Happy: Cardmaking Inspiration, One Sketch at a Time is a beautiful 29-page digital guide filled with sketches, real project ideas, and inspiration to jumpstart your creativity.  Whether you're a beginner or seasoned card maker, this $17 guide will help you craft with more confidence and joy.

But here’s the best part…

For the next 48 hours only, I'm giving it away as a FREE bonus to anyone who places any order from the new catalog through my online store.

Sketch Me Happy - Stamp4Joy.com

📌 Here’s how it works:

  • Shop anything you like from the new catalog in my online store.

  • Once your order is placed I’ll personally send you an email with a link to download your copy of Sketch Me Happy.

  • That’s it!  No coupon code needed.  Just place your order within the 48-hour window and enjoy your bonus.

But don’t wait — this offer ends in a flash!  Whether you love working from sketches or want fresh ideas to jumpstart your creativity, this is a guide you’ll turn to again and again.

Ready to craft with more joy?

🛒 Click here to shop now in my online store

With gratitude,
Rebecca

Stamp and Thrive in 2025

Stamp and Thrive in 2025 —  Our BIGGEST Starter Kit Special Is Here!

If you’ve ever thought about turning your passion for paper crafting into something more — something fun, flexible, and even profitable — this may be your moment.

From May 6–31, Stampin’ Up!® is offering our BIGGEST Starter Kit deal ever:  Get $165 in product for just $99– that’s $66 in free product, plus free shipping on your kit!

 

And it gets even better…

When you join you become part of a community that’s just as creative and encouraging as it is fun.  Whether you’re here for the discounts (20–25%), the early access to new releases, or the opportunity to earn a little extra income, there’s room for you.

2025 is the perfect time to stamp, strive, and thrive — all while doing what you love.

Why Join Now?
  • 💸 $165 in product of your choice for just $99

  • 🚚 Free shipping on your Starter Kit

  • 🛍️ 20–25% discount on future orders

  • 🎟️ Exclusive invites to demonstrator events

  • 🧡 Early access to new catalogs & products

  • 💬 A creative community that cheers you on

You can join just for the fun, for the perks, or to start a side business that works around your schedule.  There's no pressure — just possibilities, and I'd be thrilled to cheer you on every step of the way.  Let me know if you have any questions.

Let’s make 2025 the year your creativity takes center stage.

👉 Ready to get started? 

Sunrise Sailing Best Wishes Card

Today’s card idea features the Sunrise Sailing Bundle, one of the brand-new Online Exclusives released today!  This bundle includes a photopolymer stamp set and a coordinating embossing folder with dies built in — perfect for retirement cards, summer birthdays, or scrapbook pages celebrating time on the water.

For this card I kept things simple and just used the stamp set and a couple of the cloud dies.  I stamped the sailboat in gray, then added Real Red ink to

highlight the details on the sails.  After that I brought out my alcohol markers to outline and color everything in.

To build the background I created a quick mask of the boat using a Post-It Note.  I also die cut a couple of the clouds to use as masks.  Then I stamped the water in Pool Party ink and sponged around the clouds with Balmy Blue ink to create a soft summer sky.

I stamped the sentiment in Pecan Pie ink on a scrap of Balmy Blue cardstock and die cut it with one of the flags from the Stylish Shapes set.  Easy and peaceful — just like sailing should be.

Ready to set sail on your next creative project?  Grab the Sunrise Sailing Bundle in my online store and give it a try!

Sailing into graduation season?  Don’t miss this homemade grad card with a nautical twist!

Mixed Florals Meets Watercolor

Quick Watercoloring with Mixed Florals

The Mixed Florals stamp set was the perfect excuse to pull out my watercolors for a quick and easy card.  I started by stamping the tulip image in Daffodil Delight ink.  Since it's water-based it blends beautifully when you add water, almost erasing the stamped lines.

Next I grabbed my watercolor paints and a few brushes.  I haven't had them out in a while, and it felt so good to use them again!  Sometimes it's easy to forget how relaxing watercoloring can be.  I really need to find more time to fit it in.

A Simple Sentiment with a Bold Look

For the sentiment, I turned to the Mixed Labels Bundle.  It includes a nice variety of greetings and dies that work for many occasions.  I chose the simple “thank you” stamp and embossed it in white onto

black cardstock.  That matched the thin black mat around my watercolored panel and helped everything tie together.

Final Touches

To finish off the card I added a few Low-Profile Dots for a little sparkle without too much height.  The clean look lets the bright flowers stay the focus.

If you love the Mixed Florals stamp set be sure to check out the entire Mixed Media Suite Collection.  It’s an Online Exclusive, which means you won’t find it in any printed catalog — only online, while supplies last.  This suite is packed with beautiful images, dies, designer paper, and more  to spark your creativity!

If you love playing with color or just want a fresh new set for spring and summer cards, this suite is definitely worth checking out!

Here's another handmade floral thank you card for your inspiration.

Uplifting Card Idea With Perennial Lavender

If you’re looking for an uplifting card idea that’s simple, elegant, and easy to put together, this one is a winner.  It uses a soft, two-layer twist on the triple time technique and features the beautiful Perennial Lavender Designer Series Paper.

Layered Simplicity with Designer Paper

Triple time usually uses three layers, but I simplified it with just two — letting the paper do all of the work.

My card base is Crumb Cake cardstock, cut at 4-1/4″ x 11″ and folded in half.

I started with the largest Perennial Postage Die to cut a green-toned sheet of designer paper.  Then I trimmed the floral layer slightly smaller and cut the center from it, about 1/4″ in from all edges.  This left me with a floral frame and a smaller center panel.

I mounted the center onto a slightly larger Pretty Peacock layer.  Then I reassembled the framed look by placing it back onto the full floral panel.  From there everything was layered onto the green designer paper and then onto the center of the card base.  It’s a subtle variation on the triple time technique, but it gives the card beautiful depth.

Sentiment and Finishing Touches

I stamped the sentiment, “you are loved,” in Pretty Peacock ink.  It’s from the Unbounded Love stamp set and fits perfectly in the top right corner.

To finish it off I used blending brushes to add Highland Heather and Gorgeous Grape ink to a retiring paper butterfly.  It’s a lovely little accent that brings even more softness and color.

A few of the darker Purple Fine Shimmer Gems add just the right amount of sparkle.

This uplifting card idea is easy to recreate and makes a lovely gesture for someone who could use a little encouragement.

Browse my blog for more handmade card ideas — quick inspiration is just a click away.  Here's one that uses a surprising material for a nautical themed card

Crafting With You Tote Card Idea

This Crafting With You tote card idea combines the retiring Crafting With You bundle with the new Notes & Totes Dies for a fun and cheerful design.  Bright colors and sweet details bring this creative card to life.  A mix of die cuts and designer paper makes it perfect for crafters who love clever combinations!

The stamps are gone, but the Crafting With You Dies are still available.  They're retiring at the end of the month — or while supplies last — so I wanted to spotlight them one more time.  I paired it with the new Notes & Totes Dies (coming in May) for a fun twist, and the result makes me smile every time I look at it.

Crafting With You Tote Card Idea - Stamp4Joy.com
A Tote-ally Adorable Detail

To create the tote bag I used a floral pattern from the Floral Delight Designer Series Paper and added a handle and tie in a subtle Pecan Pie print.  I built the background with the yellow and white gingham from the same paper collection — so cheerful and perfect for spring!

To create the crafty elements, I made the paper trimmer with Basic Gray and Basic White cardstock, and added silver foil scissors for a little shine.  The layered circles came from both the Stylish Shapes and Spotlight on Nature Dies.

 
Look What's Hiding in the Bag

Did you spot the little coupon tucked inside the tote?  I include one with every order placed in my Online Store — a blank handmade card and a coupon for $5 off your next purchase.  This one’s all ready to go to the next person who places an order with me! 

If you’ve had your eye on the Dies used for this adorable Crafting With You tote, now’s the time to grab them.  Supplies are limited, and once they're gone, they're gone.

Check out this painting card idea using the same set of dies.

Want more card ideas like this?  Sign up here to get them straight to your inbox each week!

The Texture Toolbox Guide for Paper Crafters

Add Wow to Your Cards with The Texture Toolbox.

If you’ve ever looked at a finished card and thought, “It’s pretty… but it needs something,” then The Texture Toolbox is for you.  This downloadable guide is all about transforming your paper crafts from flat to fabulous using simple texture techniques.  

Adding texture to your cards doesn’t have to be complicated — or require fancy equipment.  In this guide I offer a variety of easy, eye-catching ways to

bring depth, interest, and a professional finish to your handmade projects.

Here’s a peek at what you’ll find inside:

  • A variety of no-stamp texture techniques that pack a punch

  • My favorite tools and tricks for adding dimension (without extra bulk)

  • Easy ways to layer, emboss, and distress with confidence

  • Tips for combining texture styles for maximum impact

  • Delivered as a PDF you can download and keep on your computer or print at home

Whether you’re brand new to card making or looking to refresh your creative spark, this guide is filled with ideas you’ll come back to again and again.

👉 The Texture Toolbox is available now as a digital download for just $17.

Don’t miss this chance to give your paper crafts the WOW factor they deserve.

Grab Your Copy of The Texture Toolbox Today

Idea for Thank You Cards

A Textured and Dimensional Idea for Thank You Cards

If you're looking for a fresh idea for thank you cards, this one has a fun twist — literally!  The circle spotlight technique and layered textures give this card a little extra something while keeping the color scheme clean and classic.

Simple Layers, Big Impact

I started with a Basic White card base (4-1/4″ x 11″, scored at 5-1/2″) and layered a 4″ x 5-1/4″ white panel on top of a slightly larger piece of Basic Black.  That narrow black border adds just enough contrast to make everything pop, don't you think?

Spotlight and Dimension

The focal point is the lovely floral image from the Thankful Garden Bundle.  I stamped and colored the

full image on the center of the white panel, then stamped it again on a scrap piece.  That scrap version went through the Mini Corrugated 3D Embossing Folder and was die-cut with one of the medium Spotlight on Nature circle dies.

To add depth, I also colored and die-cut just the smaller flower and popped it up with Stampin’ Dimensionals over the matching spot.

Finishing Touches

The sentiment comes from the same bundle — I masked off part of it and stamped only what I wanted in black ink.  A few white Neutral Matte Dots finish things off with a touch of texture and shine.

This idea for thank you cards is great when you want to highlight a beautiful image in a more creative way.  The embossing and spotlighted die cut add interest without needing extra layers or embellishments.

Want to try it?  Don’t wait too long — the Thankful Garden Bundle is perfect for all kinds of projects, and that embossing folder has been my go-to lately!  It's really a must-have for subtle, stylish dimension.

Here's an uplifting handmade card using the Lovely Garden Suite Collection.

Discount Card Making Supplies

Make the Most of Your Discount Card Making Supplies

If you're like me, you love pretty things and a good deal.  This handmade card idea features several discount card making supplies that are being retired — so if you love the look you'd better grab them while you can!

The Country Flowers stamp set and coordinating Country Flowers Dies are both marked down and only available while supplies last.  I paired them with Country Woods designer paper and the Textured Notes Dies, which are part of the Online Exclusives, along with the Mini Corrugated 3D Embossing Folder.

A Rustic Base With a Soft Touch

For the base I used Basic White cardstock.  A lighter woodgrain paper was layered on top of Pool Party cardstock, with Pecan Pie ink sponged around the edges.  Before gluing it down I distressed the edges with my Paper Snips.  I repeated this with the darker wood paper, too.

Easy Embossing With a Lot of Impact

I cut a strip of Basic White cardstock and blended on Balmy Blue, Pool Party, and Pecan Pie inks.  After embossing it with the Mini Corrugated 3D folder I gently swiped a few darker ink pads across the ridges. Smoky Slate, Misty Moonlight, and Early Espresso worked beautifully for contrast.

After cutting it into three random pieces I layered them onto more Pool Party cardstock and tucked it behind the focal panel.

Stamped Details That Pop

The container stamp from Country Flowers is such a fun shape, especially stamped onto patterned paper.  I colored the flowers with my alcohol markers and used the coordinating dies to cut everything out.

I stamped the sentiment in Pecan Pie, cut it out with a Textured Notes die, and added a little folded scrap of ribbon underneath.  Just a small detail, but it makes a difference.

Inspired by This Week’s Sketch

This card design was inspired by the sketch that will be featured in my next newsletter going out on Tuesday.  Not on my list yet?  You can sign up here.

Don’t miss out on these discount card making supplies — they won’t last long!

Here's a DIY birthday card design idea using a lot of the same products!

Notes & Totes Beach Card

I'm sharing a little sneak peek today from the upcoming 2025–2026 Annual Catalog with this Notes & Totes beach card.  This bundle is full of charm!  Doesn’t it make you long for lazy summer afternoons — sunglasses on, a good book in hand, and the sound of waves nearby?

Customers can start ordering from the new catalog in early May, so stay tuned!  I'll be sharing more ideas with this bundle soon.

Want more card-making inspiration?  Join my mailing list for weekly creative ideas, and you’ll get a free card tutorial delivered straight to your inbox!

Here's another lazy days handmade card idea.