July 13, 2026

3 Easy Handmade Fall Cards with the Simply Leaves Bundle (Plus a Stunning Emboss Resist Technique!)

 

Fall is one of my favorite seasons to create handmade cards. The warm colors, cozy textures, and beautiful leaves make it so easy to create cards that feel heartfelt without being complicated.

If you're anything like me, you're looking for projects that are beautiful but still fit into a busy schedule. This week's cards do exactly that! I created three simple fall-inspired cards using the Simply Leaves Bundle from the July Online Exclusives, and each one offers something a little different—from quick and easy to a technique that looks far more difficult than it really is.

The best part? You don't have to be an experienced card maker to recreate any of these.

Card #1: Add Texture with Two-Tone Cardstock

Sometimes the simplest techniques create the biggest impact.

For the first card, I paired Pumpkin Pie Two-Tone Cardstock with a leafy embossing folder, then lightly sanded the raised areas to reveal the lighter core underneath. It's an incredibly easy way to add instant texture and depth.

A few layered leaves, a linen thread bow (because you know I love my linen thread!), and a simple sentiment finish the card beautifully.

Beginner Tip:
If you don't own a sanding block, borrow a small piece of sandpaper from your husband's toolbox! Any fine grit works perfectly.

Card #2: Let Designer Paper Do the Heavy Lifting

Not every beautiful card needs lots of layers.

This cheerful "Thinking of You Often" card features the gorgeous new gingham Designer Series Paper from the 2026–2028 In Colors collection. The bold pattern becomes the star of the show while a cluster of simple punched leaves adds just enough interest.

This layout is perfect when:

  • You need a quick card.
  • You want to showcase beautiful Designer Series Paper.
  • You're building up your confidence with layering.

Sometimes less really is more.

Card #3: Try the Emboss Resist Technique

If you've never tried the Emboss Resist Technique, this is the perfect project to start with.

It may look fancy, but the steps are surprisingly simple:

  • Blend several ink colors onto Basic White cardstock.
  • Stamp your leaf images with Versamark Ink.
  • Cover with Clear Embossing Powder and heat set.
  • Roll a dark ink (Early Espresso) over the entire background with a brayer.
  • Wipe the embossed leaves clean and watch those gorgeous fall colors come to life.

This technique creates dramatic backgrounds that look like you spent hours making them—even though the process is actually quite relaxing.

It's one of those classic techniques I learned years ago, and I find myself coming back to it every fall because it never disappoints.



Simple Cards Can Still Wow

One thing I hope you take away from this week's projects is that beautiful cards don't have to be complicated.

Whether you're embossing, sanding cardstock, or simply layering pretty paper with a few punched leaves, each small detail adds up to something special.

Handmade cards aren't about perfection—they're about sharing kindness, encouragement, and a little piece of your heart with someone else.

And honestly? That's what makes this hobby so rewarding.

I'd love to know—which card was your favorite this week?

Was it the textured embossed card, the bright gingham design, or the colorful Emboss Resist background?

Leave a comment below and let me know! If you'd like the complete measurements and step-by-step tutorial, be sure you're on my email list so you never miss a week's inspiration. As always, happy stamping!


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July 6, 2026

3 Easy Fall Handmade Cards You'll Want to Make This Season

 Can you believe we're already starting to think about fall crafting?

If you're anything like me, you love getting ahead on seasonal cards without feeling overwhelmed. That's exactly why I couldn't wait to share the adorable Fun for Fall Bundle from the new July Online Exclusives.

This bundle is filled with charming scarecrows, playful crows, sweet sentiments, and coordinating dies that make creating fall cards surprisingly easy. During this week's Sunday Live, I created three simple cards that are perfect for beginners but still have plenty of personality.

Let's take a closer look!

Card #1: Layering Designer Series Paper Makes a Big Impact

Sometimes the prettiest cards are the simplest ones.

For the first card, I combined two coordinating patterns from the Regals Designer Series Paper with layered black mats and one of my favorite Everyday Arches Dies.

The little scarecrow becomes the star of the card without needing lots of extra embellishments.

A few simple details make all the difference:

  • Layer patterned paper with narrow black mats for definition.
  • Pop up your focal image with Dimensionals for added depth.
  • Finish with a few Rustic Metallic Adhesive Dots for a warm fall feel.

It's clean, cheerful, and comes together quickly.

Card #2: You Don't Have to Use the Whole Stamp


One of my favorite tips from this week's Live was showing that you don't always have to use an entire stamped image.

Instead of cutting out the full scarecrow, I only used the upper portion peeking out from behind a stitched circle. It completely changes the look of the image and stretches your supplies even further.

I also added a narrow embossed Balmy Blue strip using one of the new Seasonal Cheer Mini Embossing Folders.

It's a small detail, but it adds beautiful texture without overwhelming the design.

Sometimes thinking outside the box with your stamps gives you even more creative possibilities.

Card #3: Simple Stamping with a Touch of Humor


These little crows absolutely stole the show.

The sentiment "This is Something to Crow About!" is fun, playful, and perfect for celebrating all kinds of accomplishments.

Instead of leaving the sentiment as one long strip, I cut it apart and layered the pieces over a stitched circle. It's an easy design trick that creates movement and adds interest.

If you've ever hesitated to cut apart a sentiment, don't be afraid! As long as you trim carefully, you can create so many different looks.

My Favorite Coloring Combination

Several viewers asked how I colored the scarecrow, so here are the Stampin' Blends I used:

  • Darling Duckling
  • Blueberry Bushel
  • Cherry Cobbler
  • Pecan Pie
  • Crumb Cake (or Ivory for skin)
  • Mossy Meadow

These warm fall colors bring the scarecrow to life while keeping everything soft and cheerful.

Don't Forget Your Free Tutorial

If you're on my mailing list, your printable PDF tutorial is arriving in your inbox otherwise, you can grab it right here..

Inside you'll find:

  • Complete measurements
  • Supply list
  • Step-by-step instructions
  • Photos of all three cards

And remember...

This month's Fun for Fall class is FREE with a $40 order (before shipping and tax) placed by July 15th. I'll mail you all of the prepared cardstock and consumable supplies so you can recreate these cards at home using your own stamps and inks.

I hope these projects inspire you to start creating for fall a little early!

I'd love to hear from you in the comments: Which card is your favorite—the Hay There scarecrow, the Congratulations card, or the playful crows?

Happy stamping!

– Katrina

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June 29, 2026

3 Beautiful Butterfly Cards You'll Love with the Stampin' Up! All Aflutter Bundle

 If you've ever looked at a butterfly stamp set and thought, "It's pretty, but what else can I do with it?" then this week's projects are for you!

The All Aflutter Bundle proves that butterflies aren't just for spring—they're perfect for thinking of you cards, thank you cards, hello cards, birthdays, and so much more. This week I created three completely different cards using one adorable punch bundle, including a fun fold that's easier than it looks!

Whether you're just getting started or you've been stamping for years, I hope these ideas inspire you to pull out your patterned paper and start creating.

Card #1: A Stand-Up Arches Fun Fold

My favorite card of the week has to be the stand-up arches card!

Using the Everyday Arches Dies and the beautiful Velvet Meadow Designer Series Paper, this card creates a gorgeous dimensional display that stands on its own. It looks impressive sitting on a desk or mantel, yet it's surprisingly simple to assemble once you know the scoring trick.

One thing I love about this design is that you can leave the back open to write your message or add another Basic White arch for a polished finish.

Sometimes those "wow" cards are much easier than they first appear!

Card #2: Create a Modern Look with Angled Paper Cuts

Have you ever wanted a card that looks fancy without requiring complicated measurements?

This angled panel card is exactly that.

Instead of measuring several individual pieces, I stacked my cardstock and Designer Series Paper together and cut them all at the same time. When you put the pieces back together like a puzzle, everything fits perfectly.

It's one of those techniques that gives every card a unique look because no two cuts will ever be exactly the same—and that's part of the charm!

To finish it off, I added stamped butterflies and a few embellishments for just the right amount of dimension.

Card #3: Sometimes Simple Really Is Best

Not every handmade card has to be elaborate.

This final card is proof that beautiful Designer Series Paper can do most of the work for you.

The flocked Velvet Meadow paper adds gorgeous texture without any extra effort. By simply shifting the patterned paper slightly to one side instead of centering it, the entire layout feels fresh and modern.

Add a layered sentiment, three punched butterflies, and a little sparkle, and you have a card that's quick enough to make several at once.

Perfect for thank you cards, encouragement cards, or simply building your card stash.

Why I Love the All Aflutter Bundle

One of my favorite things about this bundle is its versatility.

The coordinating punch makes creating butterflies fast and easy—no fussy cutting required. You can:

  • Stamp detailed butterflies or quick all-in-one images
  • Color them with Stampin' Blends or simply stamp and punch
  • Layer them for extra dimension
  • Use them on elegant, whimsical, or everyday cards
  • Pair them with almost any Designer Series Paper

If you're someone who enjoys making cards for lots of different occasions, this bundle gives you plenty of options.

Your Turn!

Which card is your favorite this week?

  • The stand-up arch fun fold?
  • The angled paper design?
  • Or the quick and simple floral card?

I'd love to hear which one you'd make first!

Grab the tutorial Here:


If you'd like the complete PDF tutorial with measurements and step-by-step instructions, directly to your inbox, then be sure you're on my email list. My subscribers receive the tutorial first, and it's one of my favorite ways to thank you for being part of the Katrina's Kreative Heart community.

Until next time, happy stamping!

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