Blog • Stamp4Joy

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!

Congratulations Card

May 19, 2024 No Comments

Do you need a congratulations card? Maybe for a graduation or retirement?

I needed a card to congratulate my niece on her hard work and college graduation. With little time to spare, I quickly crafted a simple yet elegant card that turned out beautifully.

I chose a delicate pattern from the Countryside Inn Designer Paper collection. Pairing it with a Balmy Blue Cardstock trim made for a subtle yet charming

contrast. This was my first time working with this particular design, and I was delighted by how pretty it turned out.

For the sentiment I selected a “Congratulations” stamp from the Lovely & Sweet stamp set, using Night of Navy Ink to match the paper perfectly. To add a touch of sparkle and draw attention to the sentiment I embellished the card with a few Neutrals Adhesive-Backed Sequins.

One of the best parts about this congratulations card design is its versatility. By simply swapping out the sentiment you can transform this card into a thank you card, a birthday card, or any other kind of greeting card you might need.

In fact, I recently made a thank you card using the same designer paper collection. This just demonstrates how adaptable and straightforward this card-making approach can be. Whether you’re celebrating a graduation, expressing gratitude, or sending birthday wishes, this simple card design is a go-to option that combines elegance with ease.

Craft Stunning Handmade Cards for Men

May 17, 2024 No Comments

Introducing the Bold Impressions Online Class: Craft Stunning Handmade Cards for Men.

I'm excited to announce the launch of my Bold Impressions Online Class! This is a unique opportunity for crafting enthusiasts to create impressive handmade cards tailored specifically for men. Whether you're a seasoned card maker or just starting, this class is designed to inspire and guide you through the art of masculine card design.

Starting Tuesday, May 21, 2024, my class offers a comprehensive learning experience that includes exclusive video tutorials and PDF guides. You’ll learn various techniques and design ideas that cater to a male audience, with fun and playful themes. Each tutorial is crafted to help you master the art of creating cards that truly stand out.

What makes this launch even more exciting is the Early Bird Special! By registering now, you can take advantage of a substantial discount, ensuring you'll get the best value for this enriching experience. The Early Bird price is available only until the class begins on May 21st, so act quickly to secure your spot at this reduced rate. While registration will remain open for a few days after the launch, this limited-time offer guarantees significant savings.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to enhance your card-making skills and create memorable, personalized cards for the special men in your life. Join the Bold Impressions Online Class today and embark on a creative journey that will leave a lasting impression!

Read More & Sign Up Now!

Start crafting with confidence and make your handmade cards for men truly unforgettable!

DIY Happy Birthday Card With Country Birdhouse

April 20, 2024 No Comments

This DIY happy birthday card gives a sneak peek at the Country Birdhouse Bundle (163401) in the new Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog going live on May 1st!

This charming bundle's focus is a birdhouse that you can decorate up as much or as little as you'd like! Here I made my birdhouse from Pool Party Cardstock. I layered it over another white birdhouse I cut using the same die so the white peeks through. The white accents bring a fresh touch for the spring season.

To color the flowers I used my Petal Pink and Granny Apple Green Stampin' Blends. For the bird I used the light Balmy Blue and then the Gray Granite Blends. Daffodil Delight was used on the beak and talons.

The Petal Pink Ribbon is from the Diagonal Trim Combo Pack (163417), which has white ribbon included, too.

Love this DIY happy birthday card? Check out this sweet handmade card idea.

Little Monkey Card Idea

March 30, 2024 No Comments

Inspiration for my Little Monkey card idea,

Every crafting journey begins with inspiration, and this project was no different. For this card design the adorable Little Monkey stole the spotlight. After I finished it, though, I couldn't help but wonder whether a slight adjustment of moving this little guy up wouldn't make it look better. What are your thoughts?

Choosing the Paper

Selecting the right designer paper was really important for this card. I think this pattern from the Earthen Elegance collection is the perfect backdrop! Its subtle embossed-looking vine pattern my Copper Clay perfectly complements the playful nature of our little monkey friend. I used the Copper Clay Stampin' Blends to color the monkey's body to coordinate with the paper,

Layering Magic

I usually gravitate to mounting my layers on coordinating cardstock to have some separation and definition between the layers. Even when I think I'm not going to I almost always change my mind. How about you,? Do you share my apparent need for these additional layers, or do you prefer a more streamlined look?

Just a reminder, the Bundle used to create this Little Monkey card idea is retiring the end of April.

Here's another fun card for your inspiration.

New Cardmaking Class

March 25, 2024 No Comments

Unleash Your Creativity: Elevate Your Card Crafting Skills

Do you find yourself stuck in a rut, churning out the same tired cards time and again? It's time to break free from the mundane and take your paper crafting talents to soaring new heights!

Imagine the joy of surprising your family and friends with handcrafted cards that are anything but basic. Picture their delight as they marvel at these whimsical designs, unable to believe you created them yourself.

With a few simple techniques and a touch of creativity, you can create cards that will leave a lasting impression and spark joy in the hearts of those who receive them.

In our upcoming class you'll have the opportunity to explore the exciting world of advanced card crafting. I'll show you how to transform ordinary materials into extraordinary works of art. You'll discover a treasure trove of inspiration to infuse into your creations with three irresistible cards that are sure to dazzle and delight.

And the best part? You'll gain lifetime access to the class materials, allowing you to revisit your favorites whenever inspiration strikes.

Whether you're a seasoned crafter looking to expand your skills or a beginner eager to explore the world of card making, this class is designed for crafters of all levels.

But hurry, the Early Bird discount is only available until Wednesday, March 27th. Don't miss out on this opportunity to ignite your creativity and embark on a journey of artistic discovery. Join me and unlock the secrets to creating cards that will captivate hearts and inspire smiles.

Read More Here

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.