Blog • Stamp4Joy

Make a Beautiful Card With Spotlight on Nature

July 23, 2024 No Comments

How to Make a Beautiful Card with the Spotlight on Nature Stamp Set

You can certainly make a beautiful card with the Spotlight on Nature stamp set. The large images are perfect for coloring. They are also easy to fussy cut out, adding a personal touch. The Spotlight on Nature Bundle includes a variety of designer circle dies, giving your cards a polished look. However, for this project I used the Perennial Postage Dies instead. They provide a charming postage stamp look that I absolutely love!

While you could stamp the images directly, I chose to use Mini Stampin' Dimensionals to make the images pop.

I turned to my favorite markers for coloring, Stampin' Blends. They offer vibrant colors and are so easy to use. The blending capabilities of these markers make them ideal for adding depth and dimension to your images. Not to mention the depth already added to the images by the artist!

For the card sentiment I selected a stamp from the Unbounded Love set. It has many options, making it versatile for a variety of occasions.

Creating cards on a budget can be simple and enjoyable. The Spotlight on Nature stamp set is a fantastic choice. It allows you to make a beautiful card without breaking the bank. The versatility of this set means you can use it for many different card styles and occasions.

Don't forget, you'll get free shipping on orders of $75 or more today only!

What do you think of this card? I think the combination of the Spotlight on Nature stamp set and the Perennial Postage Dies creates a unique and beautiful card. Give it a try and see how your creativity shines!

Check out these tips for making beautiful cards on a budget.

With the right tools and a bit of creativity you can make stunning cards that will impress your friends and family. Happy crafting!

Product Spotlight Flowers of Beauty

July 9, 2024 No Comments

The Product Spotlight for July is the Flowers of Beauty Stamp Set. When you purchase this set in my online store using Host Code BQPXM2XQ, you'll receive three free PDF tutorials from me. These tutorials will guide you through creating a beautiful gift box and two stunning cards, all at no extra cost.

The Flowers of Beauty Stamp Set is incredibly versatile, allowing you to create a variety of styles and designs effortlessly. I recently made a simple card that came together quite easily. Below is the step-by-step guide on how I did it:

Step-by-Step

First, I stamped the foliage in Shy Shamrock ink. This light green hue provides a softer, natural background. Then, I added detail with Pretty Peacock ink. This richer, deeper color adds a striking contrast and brings the foliage to life.

For the bottom of the card I used a piece of designing paper that was a leftover scrap from another project. It was already cut to the right size, making it a perfect fit without any extra effort.

Next, I stamped the flowers in Peach Pie ink. This warm, peachy color adds a cheerful and inviting feel to the card. To add a finishing touch, I tied a bow using Peach Pie Bordered Ribbon, which complements the flower color beautifully.

As I crafted this card I was thinking of my uncle, who is currently in the hospital. I wanted to send him a heartfelt message, so I used the sentiment “Sending You a Handmade Hug” from the Crafting With You Stamp Set. It was the perfect touch to complete the card and convey my warm wishes.

Let Me Send You These PDF Tutorials

Creating with the Flowers of Beauty Stamp Set has been a lot of fun. The free PDF tutorials I'll send you when you purchase will help you craft a gift box and two beautiful cards, making your purchase even more valuable. These tutorials provide step-by-step instructions, ensuring that even beginners can create something special.

If you already have the stamp set but want the tutorials, you can purchase them HERE.

To make the most of your set, consider adding the dies and purchasing the Flowers of Beauty Bundle to save 10%. Plus, during Bonus Days you’ll earn a $5 coupon in August for every $50 spent this month!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your crafting skills and create heartfelt, handmade items for your loved ones. The Flowers of Beauty Stamp Set is a must-have for any crafter looking to add a touch of elegance and charm to their projects. Purchase it today and start creating beautiful, personalized items that will be cherished by those who receive them.

Here's a thinking of you card idea you may enjoy.

Making Greeting Cards

July 1, 2024 No Comments

Making greeting cards is a fun and relaxing pastime that even your kids and grandkids will enjoy. When my son was younger he loved it.

There's just something special about receiving a handmade card crafted just for you, don't you think? The joy of creating something unique and heartfelt is priceless.

For this handmade card I focused on some of the new In Color Blends: Peach Pie (have I mentioned

how much I love this color? LOL!), Petunia Pop, and Summer Splash. These colors are perfect for creating vibrant and cheerful cards. I also used Shy Shamrock Cardstock for the green foliage. The combination of these colors really brings the card to life and makes it stand out.

The Playing in the Rain stamp set and Dies provided all the adorable images. This set is so versatile and adds a whimsical touch to the card.

I pulled the card sentiment from Hooray for Surprises, which perfectly captures the excitement and joy of receiving a handmade card.

Making greeting cards can be a great activity for a rainy day. It’s a wonderful way to spend time with your loved ones while also being creative. And just think how the kids will beam with pride when they give their cards!

So plan a playdate for the next rainy day. Grab the kids, a fun, whimsical stamp set, and some lively colors. You’ll have a blast making greeting cards and creating lasting memories together. Plus, the recipients of your handmade cards will surely appreciate the thought and effort you put into making them something special.

Creating greeting cards is not just about the final product; it’s about the process and the joy it brings. So next time you’re looking for a fun and meaningful activity, remember that making greeting cards is a fantastic option.

Would you like to see another idea? Check out this fun birthday card!

Happy crafting!

Elegant Expressions Online Class – Early Bird Price!

June 26, 2024 No Comments

I'm really excited to announce the launch of my brand new Elegant Expressions Online Class! This is your chance to dive into the world of handmade card making and learn how to create three unique and beautiful designs.

Why Join?

In this class you’ll receive step-by-step video tutorials and PDF guides for each project. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, the

comprehensive instructions will make the learning process enjoyable and straightforward.

Early Bird Pricing – Don’t Miss Out!

I'm offering an exclusive Early Bird price of just $18, available until Monday, July 1st. After that the price goes up to $27 until the class is closed, so be sure to take advantage of this limited-time offer and secure your spot.

Have Questions?

Feel free to reach out to me. I’m here to help and answer any questions you may have.

Happy crafting!

Charming Duck Pond Happy Card

June 20, 2024 No Comments

Crafting with the Charming Duck Pond Stamp Set

The Charming Duck Pond stamp set was used to create this happy card. Adding the Peach Pie color from the coordinating Lily Pond Lane 6″ x 6″ Designer Paper makes it even more delightful! This color is so cheerful and brings a smile to anyone’s face.

Special Offer

Today is the last day to grab my free tutorial for a card-in-a-box when you order the stamp set using the Host Code 7CCSX9ZJ. I'll send it straight to your inbox!

Step-by-Step Card Creation

I began by stamping the ducks' bodies in Pecan Pie ink, then added some depth with Crumb Cake for the

“filler” stamps. I reached for my Peach Pie Stampin' Blends to bring the ducks to life with some vibrant color. Finally Calypso Coral Blends was used for their bills and feet.

To complete the look I stamped the foliage in Old Olive ink and the cattail heads in Crumb Cake. This helps to bring the Charming Duck Pond scene to life.

Fascinating Facts about Cattails

Did you know that cattails are edible? I’ve always been interested in wild food and hope to forage for cattails one day.

Here are some fascinating facts about cattails from EdibleWildFood.com:

Versatile Uses: Cattails can be used to make mats, baskets, and their cigar-shaped heads can be used as packing material.
Natural Torches: Dipped in oil or fat, cattail heads can be used as torches.
Traditional Food: Aboriginals used the roots to make flour, and the fluffy wool of the heads was used as diapers because of its softness and absorbency.
Insulation: The fluffy wool, similar to down, can be used as insulation in clothing, pillows, mattresses, quilts, and life jackets.
Fire Starters: The tight heads are often dry inside even after a heavy rain, making them excellent fire starters.
Edible Stalks: The fresh shoots are tasty and can be eaten raw, sautéed, or tossed into a stir-fry.

Who knew that cattails were so versatile and useful?!?

Did you see this happy handmade card idea from a few days ago?

Don't forget that today is the last day to grab this tutorial when you order the Charming Duck Pond stamp set!

Happy crafting!

Handmade Sympathy Card

June 19, 2024 No Comments

Finding myself in need of a handmade sympathy card has again reminded me I should keep some on hand. Making them ahead of time can be difficult. It's understandable given the nature of the occasion. Having a beautiful, heartfelt card ready can mean so much to someone going through a tough time.

I appreciate that the County Flowers stamp set includes a lovely sympathy sentiment. You can pick up this stamp set and coordinating dies in the Country Flowers Bundle and save a total of 20% with the extra 10% offered this month!

The soft pastel patterns from the Country Lace Designer Paper collection work wonderfully for this purpose. I mounted each layer on slightly larger pieces of black cardstock to highlight each section.

This contrast really makes the delicate patterns stand out and I think adds a touch of elegance to the card.

Creating the Focal Image

I stamped the stool and vase in Tuxedo Black Ink on paper patterns from the Country Wood Designer Paper collection and then cut them out with the coordinating dies. This technique gives the vase a worn, rustic look and the stool a wooden feel that I absolutely love. I applied a bit more color with my Pecan Pie and Crumb Cake Stampin' Blends on the left edges. The colors create depth, making the images pop a bit more and gives the card a more dimensional feel.

For the flowers and leaves I used Real Red, Highland Heather, and Old Olive Stampin' Blends. The colors turned out beautifully and complemented the card's overall design. These vibrant colors bring a sense of life and hope to an otherwise somber occasion. I attached them with Mini Stampin' Dimensionals for additional dimension.

I didn't want the sympathy greeting to be too large, so I first cut it out with a square from my go-to Stylish Shapes Dies. Then I lined up the perforations with the die again, repositioning it to cut off more of the bottom. This technique is a great way to get more use out of your dies and create custom shapes.

Crafting a handmade sympathy card often leaves me unsure of what to say inside. Do you feel the same? If so, click on this link for examples of thoughtful things to say in a sympathy card. It’s always helpful to have a few heartfelt sentiments ready.

Remember, all stamp-and-die bundles are an extra 10% off for the month of June. It's a great time to stock up and be prepared for any occasion.

Happy crafting!

Happy Handmade Card Idea

June 17, 2024 No Comments

I’m excited to share this bright and happy handmade card idea with you! It’s simple to make, even if you don’t have fancy dies. If you’re missing the specific dies, you can easily cut out squares by hand.

I know some people struggle with color coordination. That’s the beauty of Stampin' Up! designer papers! Just check the back of the package, and you’ll find the colors listed there. They’re also listed in the catalog, which helps when planning your orders.

For this card I used a small square die from the Stylish Shapes collection to cut out the adorable ducks. The largest square die from Perennial Postage was used to cut a slightly larger white piece, creating a layered effect reminiscent of a postage stamp. Isn’t it cute?

This month all stamp-and-die bundles are an extra 10% off! If you order the Charming Ducks Bundle make sure to pick up the coordinating Lily Pond Lane 6″ x 6″ Designer Paper. It’s a perfect match and adds so much charm to your projects. You’ll be glad you did!

The greeting on my card is from the Charming Ducks stamp set. I mounted everything on slightly larger layers of Peach Pie Cardstock, which coordinates beautifully with the designer paper. I’m falling more in love with this color every day!

Creating handmade cards is such a joy for me, especially when the process is easy and the results are beautiful. And I think this happy handmade card idea is perfect for brightening someone’s day. The combination of cute ducks, stylish shapes, and lovely colors makes it a standout piece, don't you think? Plus, the coordinating products from Stampin' Up! make the design process seamless and enjoyable.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out my post on a fun fold card idea.

DIY Birthday Card Design Idea

June 15, 2024 No Comments

Creating a heartfelt birthday card can be both fun and rewarding. This DIY birthday card design idea uses the charming Country Woods Suite Collection. The sentiment is from the Country Birdhouse stamp set, but everything else came from the Country Flowers Bundle.

Don't forget: All stamps and die bundles are an extra 10% off this month, while supplies last! Inventory is low, so don't wait!

I began by stamping the teapot and flowers. To add color I used Stampin' Blends in Old Olive, Smoky Slate, Petunia Pop, and Peach Pie. The coordinating Country Flowers Dies made cutting them out a breeze compared to fussy cutting!

Next I used one of the circle dies from Stylish Shapes to cut out a gray circle to anchor the focal point. I chose two additional paper patterns to create a cohesive look. The sweet and subtle patterns came from the Country Lace 12″ x 12″ Designer Paper collection.

For a finishing touch I added a few Iridescent Pearls to the flower centers. These little details I think make the card extra special and add just a touch of elegance.

Making this card was so enjoyable, and I really like how it turned out. It’s amazing how a few simple elements can come together to create something beautiful and meaningful. And I know just who I'm going to send it to!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this DIY birthday card design idea. Have you tried creating something similar? Leave your comments below, and let’s get inspired together!

And be sure and check out this homemade birthday card design.

Celebrate National Donut Day With a DIY Donut Card

June 7, 2024 No Comments

Happy National Donut Day! Instead of just eating donuts today, why not craft a delightful donut-themed card? I decided to get creative and make my own donut card using various crafting supplies, both current and retired. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own donut card that’s as sweet as can be!

Creating the Perfect Donut

First, I used the Deckled Circles Dies to cut out the donut shape. I think the irregular edges are perfect!

For the donut base I selected the sixth smallest die and cut it from Crumb Cake Cardstock. The smallest die was perfect for creating the donut hole.

Adding Tasty Frosting

Every donut needs frosting! I chose a lovely pink shade using Bubble Bath Cardstock. The fifth smallest die created the frosting layer, while the smallest die, once again, made the hole. I actually stamped the snowflake stamp from Forever Forest onto the frosting in Bubble Bath ink. I think it gives it a bit of texture and an appetizing look.

Sweet Sentiments

To add a sweet message, I used my Pecan Pie Marker to ink up the “you’re sweet” sentiment from the Bee My Valentine stamp set. By inking and stamping one word at a time, I positioned “you’re” at the top and “sweet” at the bottom of the donut.

Bringing it All Together

I wanted a beautiful backdrop for my donut, so I pulled out some retired Delightfully Eclectic Designer Paper. I combined patterns of white and Bubble Bath, gluing a 1/2” wide strip of white cardstock where the two patterns met to create a clean, cohesive look.

Finishing Touches

For the final touch I stamped “happy birthday” in Pecan Pie Ink on white cardstock. The die for this came from the Stylish Shapes Dies collection, but I customized it by recutting one end to make it shorter, fitting my card perfectly. The “happy birthday” stamp was borrowed from the Garden Meadow stamp set.

And there you have i — a fun, festive donut card that’s perfect for celebrating National Donut Day or any sweet occasion! This DIY project was fun to make, and it’s a great way to use up those crafting supplies you have on hand. Plus, who doesn’t love a card that looks good enough to eat?

Enjoy crafting, and happy National Donut Day!

If you'd like one more delicious idea, here's another sweet handmade card design.

Using Up Some Scraps

May 27, 2024 No Comments

Using up some scraps can lead to unexpected and delightful creations!

For today's handmade card I repurposed various leftovers, transforming them into a unique design. By cutting out several frames using two square dies together, I ended up with some square “insides” that I used as diamond shapes. This happy accident also resulted in a film strip-like piece.

The film strip was a little large, so I decided on a bigger card that fits inside a legal-size envelope. This will give me more space to write a personal message on the inside! 🙂

The backdrop designer paper was a leftover from the Just Kiddin' Designer Paper, which is now retired.

Coloring the little people and critters from Kiddin' Around and Playing in the Rain with Stampin' Blends was a fun and relaxing activity. It brought back memories of coloring as a child. To add some sparkle, gold Neutral Sequins were applied to the centers of the diamond shapes.

I think this DIY card turned out exceptionally cute, especially considering it was made from scraps. It's always satisfying to create something beautiful from materials that might otherwise be discarded. What do you think? Please leave a comment below.

Here's another simple card idea, this time using the Playing in the Rain set again. It demonstrates how using up some scraps can spark creativity and result in charming, personalized cards.

Embrace those scraps and see where your imagination takes you!

The content of this website is the sole responsibility of Rebecca Mayse, an Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator.

All artwork copyright Stampin’ Up!® unless otherwise stated. The use of and content of classes, services, or products offered on this site is not endorsed by Stampin’ Up!

All artwork is for personal use only, not for submission to competitions or magazines. Please use good Internet etiquette. If you are inspired by something you see here, please give credit and link to the original source.

As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.