Creative Confidence: How to Choose the Right Sentiment for Your Handmade Cards

One of the most meaningful parts of handmade cardmaking is choosing the sentiment. It's the heart of your design—the reason your card exists. But if you’ve ever stared at your stamp sets wondering whether to go with “Thinking of You,” “You’ve Got This,” or “Just Because,” you’re not alone.

Let’s talk about how to pick the perfect message to match your handmade masterpiece.

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💌 Start With the Occasion

Before you stamp anything, ask: What is this card for?

• Birthday? You’ll want something festive or heartfelt like “Wishing You the Best Day Ever.”

• Sympathy? Keep it gentle and comforting—“With Heartfelt Sympathy” or “Thinking of You” are timeless.

• Just Because? Go playful or thoughtful with “You Make Me Smile” or “Hello, Friend.”

Choosing a sentiment based on the emotional tone you want to convey will guide your style and embellishments too.

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✍️ Match the Mood of the Card

Take a cue from your design! If your card is:

• Bold and bright: Try a fun sentiment like “Yay, You!” or “Let’s Celebrate!”

• Elegant and soft: Consider “Grateful for You” or “Sending Love.”

• Whimsical or funny: Don’t be afraid to use a pun or quirky phrase. (“You’re a-MAIZE-ing,” anyone?)

Your sentiment should feel like it belongs with the color palette, paper, and layout you’ve chosen.

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🖋️ Placement Matters

Where you put your sentiment can make a big difference:

• Centered sentiments draw attention—perfect for impactful messages.

• Side or corner placement lets your design shine and the sentiment support it.

• Tag or label sentiments add dimension and are easy to swap if you change your mind.

Stamp it directly on the card base or pop it up with foam adhesive for extra depth.

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💡 Bonus Tip: Keep a Sentiment Scrap Stash

Sometimes you stamp an extra sentiment or try one and change your mind—that’s okay! Keep those extras in a little organizer or envelope. They’ll be a time-saver the next time you need a quick finish.

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Final Thoughts

Choosing the right sentiment doesn’t have to be stressful—it should feel like adding the finishing touch to your creative story. Trust your instincts, match the mood, and don’t overthink it.

What’s your favorite all-purpose sentiment? Let me know in the comments or tag me when you share your next project!

Craft with heart,
Katrina 💖

Katrina’s Kreative Heart 

Coneflower Celebration: Simple Cards with Summery Charm

 

We might be melting up here, but the creativity is in full bloom! This week’s Sunday Live was all about the gorgeous Coneflower Celebration bundle—available now as part of the Online Exclusives—and I’m smitten. Coneflowers are some of my favorite real-life blooms, and these stamps and dies captured that sunny, rustic charm beautifully.

🌼 Card 1: “You Made My Day”

We started with a cheerful card using Darling Duckling cardstock and Calypso Coral Designer Series Paper. The star of the show? That big, beautiful coneflower, colored with a mix of:

• Light & Dark Calypso Coral

• Light Darling Duckling

• Deep 200 (for the cone)

• Light Old Olive (for the leaves and stem)

We added linen thread, dimensionals, and a few rhinestones to bring it to life. Simple, quick, and oh-so-happy.

🎉 Card 2: A Belated Birthday Fun Fold

Next up was a layered coneflower card using Timid Tiger and Darling Duckling with a vertical fun fold. The flower features stamped petals layered over the large cone die, and I used the same Blends as before to keep things cohesive.

We stamped the sentiment “Happy Belated Birthday” on the base and added subtle depth by doubling up on the flower center. It's the perfect mix of sweet and sassy!

🦋 Card 3: Embossed Elegance + Butterfly

Finally, we played with a brand-new favorite: the Sunflower 3D Embossing Folder (part of the July Online Exclusives). I embossed a piece of Peach Pie Two-Toned Paper, then gave it a light sanding with a sanding block for a distressed, vintage vibe.

We wrapped linen thread, added the heartfelt sentiment “I love that I’ve known you for so many birthdays,” and finished with a fussy-cut butterfly, colored with Light Calypso Coral and Light Darling Duckling.

💌 Want to Recreate These?

Download the FREE project sheets here — each card includes measurements, supplies, and step-by-step instructions.

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🛎️ Don’t Miss:

• August Paper Pumpkin: Farmhouse Florals → Subscribe by August 10

• Circle of Seasons Add-On Dies → Exclusive to Paper Pumpkin subscribers

• Virtual Album Retreat → July 16–18 (hosted by Stampin’ Up!)

• Sunrise Sailing Card Class → Registration closes July 15!

Thanks again for crafting with me, friends. I love sharing these Sundays with you—and I can’t wait to see what you create next.

Until then, happy stamping!
💛 Katrina

Elevate Your Cards with Simple Texture Techniques

 

If you’ve ever looked at a handmade card and thought, “Why does this look so polished?”, chances are the answer is texture. Adding texture is one of the simplest ways to take your cardmaking from flat to fabulous—and you don’t need fancy tools to do it. Here are some easy techniques that add tactile interest and depth to your projects.

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💨 1. Embossing Folders: Instant Dimension

Embossing folders are one of the fastest ways to create an eye-catching background. Whether it’s bricks, florals, or subtle polka dots, that raised texture brings your cardstock to life. For extra drama, lightly sponge ink over the raised areas to make them pop.

Tip: White-on-white embossed panels add elegant, understated texture perfect for wedding or sympathy cards.

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✂️ 2. Layered Die Cuts

Using multiple layers of die cuts (especially with sentiments or shapes) adds both visual interest and a subtle 3D effect. Simply stack two or three die cuts together with liquid glue.

Bonus: Try one layer in vellum or foil for added contrast!

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🎨 3. Ink Blending & Splattering

Blend ink on your card base using blending brushes or sponges to create a smooth gradient. Add splatters with water or diluted ink to give your background more texture without adding bulk.

Pro Tip: Metallic watercolor splatters are gorgeous for holiday cards or evening-themed designs.

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💌 4. Tearing & Crumpling

Sometimes, imperfection adds charm. Try tearing the edge of your patterned paper or gently crumpling a paper layer, then smoothing it out for a vintage, distressed look.

Great for: Junk journal-inspired layouts or shabby chic designs.

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🎀 5. Ribbon, Twine, and Embellishments

Even a simple strand of twine or a stitched ribbon can elevate a design. These tactile elements give your cards warmth and character—and they’re a great way to use up those little leftovers in your stash.

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Final Thoughts

Adding texture doesn’t have to mean adding bulk—or stress. Start with one technique, experiment with combinations, and watch your cards come to life in a whole new way.

What’s your favorite way to add texture to a card? I’d love to hear it—drop a comment or tag me in your next post!

Happy crafting,
Katrina 💖
Katrina’s Kreative Heart

Sail Into Summer with the Sunrise Sailing Card Class ⛵

 I’m so excited to announce a brand-new card class that’s perfect for summer—and I’m teaming up once again with my sweet friend Cyndy from Stamping the Wilde Way to bring it to you!

Introducing the Sunrise Sailing Card Class—a breezy, coastal-inspired class featuring the Sunrise Sailing Bundle from Stampin’ Up! This class is packed with soft summer tones, nautical vibes, and simple techniques to help you create four beautiful handmade cards.

Here’s What’s Included for $45:

• Pre-cut card kits to make 4 coordinated cards

• Half pack of the 2025–2027 In Color 6"x6" Designer Series Paper (20 sheets!)

• Full package of the 2025–2027 In Color Flat Pearls

• A PDF tutorial that includes color photos, step-by-step instructions, measurements, and a full supply list

• Shipping to your door—yep, it’s all included!

This class is perfect whether you’re brand new to card making or a seasoned stamper looking for some summer inspiration.

What You'll Need:

To complete the class as designed, you’ll want to have on hand:

• The Sunrise Sailing Bundle (or substitute a similar nautical set)

• Ink pads in Versamark, Darling Duckling, Petal Pink, Timid Tiger, Secret Sea, and Cloud Cover Ink Refill + an uninked Stampin' Spot (optional)

• Adhesives: Stampin’ Seal, Dimensionals, and your basic paper crafting tools like a paper trimmer, snips, die cutting machine, and blending brushes

Important Dates:

• Registration Closes: Tuesday, July 15, 2025

• Kits Ship By: Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Just Want the Tutorial?

If you already own the bundle and supplies and prefer to use what you have on hand, you can purchase the PDF tutorial only for $20.

A Special Gift for My Team

If you’re a member of my Kreative Hearts team, this tutorial is FREE for you on August 1st as part of your exclusive team perks!

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📬 Ready to set sail?
Click here to register now!

Let’s kick back, craft, and cruise into creativity together—this is one summer class you won’t want to miss!

Crafty hugs,
Katrina Wolfe
Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator
Katrina’s Kreative Heart

Bee-autiful Cards with the Meant to Bee Bundle 🐝

 Happy Sunday, friends! I hope you had a fabulous 4th of July weekend. Ours was full of food, family, and fun at my sister-in-law’s house—she really knows how to throw a picnic! 🎆

Despite the summer heatwave (hello, melting craft room), I powered through to bring you three adorable cards featuring the new Meant to Bee bundle. Here’s a quick look at what we made:

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🐝 Card 1: We Are Meant to Bee

We started with a thick Basic White card base and layered on die-cut octagons in Bubble Bath, Petunia Pop, and Old Olive. A touch of texture from the Exposed Brick embossing folder added extra dimension, and of course, our little bee stole the show—complete with stripes, wings, antennae, and a sweet smile. 💕

💡 Technique Tip: I used a rubber glue brush for clean adhesive placement on the delicate frame shapes—so much easier than fighting with adhesive sheets on a humid day!

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🐝 Card 2: Love This Life

This card was inspired by a sketch I found on Pinterest from Operation Write Home (an old favorite!). The Bubble Bath card base got a pop of cuteness with the Cute As Can Bee DSP and a simple sentiment strip stamped in Memento Black. A trio of starburst sequins added just the right sparkle. 🌟

💬 Quick and simple = perfect for busy crafters!

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🐝 Card 3: Our Hive

For this one, I used a Pool Party base and added a floral pattern from the same DSP pack. The sentiment “Our Hive” was built with layered die-cut words, and our bee buddy buzzed into the corner to complete the look. A couple of sequins and voilà!—card #3 done and dusted.

Click the title of each card to grab the downloadable/printable tutorial.

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🎁 Get the Class Free

You can get all the materials (pre-cut paper & embellishments) for these three cards FREE with a $35 order in my online store. I accidentally listed $35 instead of $40 on Facebook—so I’m honoring the lower price for you!

You’ll need the Meant to Bee bundle (or substitute something from your stash), but everything else is included.

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🌅 Sneak Peek: New Class Coming!

Keep an eye on your inbox tomorrow for the official launch of my next class: a Sunrise Sailing collaboration with my talented friend Cyndy Wilde from Stamping the Wild Way! If you’ve been looking for masculine card inspiration, this is the one.

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That’s all for now—thank you so much for hanging out with me during this sticky July Sunday. Until next time, stay cool and keep crafting! 🐝💛

With creativity,
Katrina

Sun-Kissed Creativity: Summer Themes in Paper Crafting

 

Summer is the perfect time to infuse your paper crafting with sunshine, color, and fun memories. Whether you're making cards to send warm wishes or documenting beach days and BBQs in your scrapbook, this season offers endless inspiration.

Card Makers:
Try incorporating pastel palettes like aqua, coral, lemon, and peach into your designs. Use heat embossing for shimmering sun effects or layer textures with embossing folders and die cuts for seashells, flip-flops, and tropical leaves. Fun folds like the waterfall or easel card can mimic the playful, laid-back vibe of summer.

Scrapbookers:
Create dynamic layouts using washi tape waves, photo corners shaped like sunglasses, and journaling cards that look like polaroids. Layer DSP that resembles sand or waves with stamped elements like sunbursts or picnic baskets. Bonus tip: use vellum to soften bright photos and add a dreamy, sun-faded look.

I hope these ideas spark your creativity. Stop by Facebook and share what you're working on, I'd love to see.

Happy Stamping,

Katrina 
Katrina's Kreative Heart

5 Color Theory Tricks Every Cardmaker Should Know

 When it comes to cardmaking and paper crafting, color isn’t just decoration—it’s the secret sauce that brings your designs to life. But choosing colors can be overwhelming, especially with so many beautiful inks, papers, and embellishments available. That’s where color theory comes in to save the day. Here are five easy color theory tricks that will help you create eye-catching cards with confidence.

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🎨 1. The Power of the Color Wheel 

The color wheel is your best friend. It’s more than an art class relic—it helps you find combinations that just work.

• Complementary colors (opposites on the wheel) like blue and orange create bold contrast.

• Analogous colors (neighbors on the wheel) like pink, red, and orange blend beautifully for a soft, harmonious look.

• Triadic colors (three evenly spaced) like red, yellow, and blue give a vibrant, balanced effect.

Try pulling out a color wheel next time you’re stuck—your design will thank you!

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🧁 2. Use the 60-30-10 Rule

This simple formula keeps your color balance on point:

• 60% main color (like your card base)

• 30% secondary color (mat layers or embellishments)

• 10% accent color (sentiments, small pops, or bling)

This trick gives your card a professional, polished finish without feeling overwhelming or dull.

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🌈 3. Go Monochromatic

Monochromatic doesn’t mean boring—it means cohesive. Choose one hue (like purple) and use light, medium, and dark shades.
It’s perfect for elegant, calming designs and great when you want to highlight textures or techniques like embossing or layering.

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🧃 4. Neutrals Are Your Secret Weapon

White, black, gray, kraft, and even metallics like gold or silver are considered neutrals in paper crafting. Use them to break up bold colors or to ground a busy design.
Don’t forget: a simple white-on-white card with texture can be just as striking as a rainbow masterpiece.

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💡 5. Let Your Paper Inspire You

Not sure where to start? Look at your favorite Designer Series Paper! Stampin’ Up! does the color coordination work for you—just pull a palette from the paper’s color list and use it as your guide.
No guesswork, all wow-factor.

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Final Thoughts

You don’t need an art degree to use color like a pro. With these simple tricks, you’ll start to see color differently—and your cards will reflect that extra touch of magic.

Now it’s your turn: what’s your favorite go-to color combo? Drop it in the comments or tag me in your next project on social—I’d love to see what you’re creating!

Happy crafting,
Katrina 💖
Katrina’s Kreative Heart

Product List

Color Coach™ (English) [166481] $12.50

Add All to Cart

Three Easy Background Techniques Using Prairie Grass by Stampin' Up!

 

Hello, crafty friends!

Can you believe we’re already sliding into July and the third quarter of 2025? Time is flying, but don’t worry—we’re using that momentum to fuel some creative playtime with a brand-new online exclusive: Prairie Grass.

This stamp set is beautifully simple, with classic silhouette-style grasses and heartfelt sentiments that make it perfect for thinking-of-you and sympathy cards. In this week’s Live, I showcased three easy card designs, each featuring a different background technique that you can totally recreate at home.

Let’s recap what we made:

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🌅 Card #1: Masking & Ink Blending

We used torn cardstock as a mask and blended Darling Duckling, Timid Tiger, and Old Olive to create a soft “prairie pasture” effect. The grasses were stamped in Secret C ink for a bold contrast. This one turned out to be a lovely sympathy card accented with the new In Color Flat Pearls.

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🎨 Card #2: Color Blocking with Acrylic Blocks

For this one, we stamped directly with our acrylic blocks! With Pretty in Pink, Petunia Pop, and Peach Pie, we created bold color blocks spritzed with water. Once dry, we stamped the large grass silhouette right over the top—simple, unique, and totally flat for easy mailing.

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🍷 Card #3: Alcohol Ink on Acetate

The final card was a little messy but so much fun! Using acetate recycled from a stamp set, we scribbled Stampin’ Blends in Melon Mambo, Calypso Coral, and Darling Duckling, then dripped 91% isopropyl alcohol to create dreamy blends and blooms. Once dry, we flipped it over and stamped a silhouette and sentiment. Every background turns out different—and that’s the magic of this technique!

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Don’t Miss:

• The July Paper Pumpkin Kit: Sweeter With You – featuring sun-kissed strawberries and gingham charm. Subscribe now!

• Buy One, Get One 50% Off Suites Sale – Don’t let your embellishments be the only thing getting the discount! Plan your cart wisely.

• New Online Exclusives dropping in July—including Prairie Grass! Check the website for updates.

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Grab Your Free Downloads

Full instructions and measurements for all three cards in downloadable PDF project sheets. Grab them right here: 

Ink Blended Sympathy

Ink Blocking

Alcohol Ink Background

Thanks for spending your Sunday with me. I appreciate you more than you know. Let’s keep crafting and connecting—see you next week!

Crafty hugs,
💛 Katrina

🖋️ Ink Types 101: Know Your Basics

Understanding the types of ink is the first step toward crafting success. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. Dye Ink:

• Fast-drying and water-based, perfect for everyday stamping.

• Absorbs quickly into cardstock, so it won’t smear.

• Great for layering and creating crisp images.

2. Pigment Ink:

• Slower drying and richer in color.

• Sits on top of the paper, making it perfect for heat embossing.

• Ideal for darker or textured papers.

3. Hybrid Ink:

• A combo of dye and pigment, great all-purpose choice.

• Works for both stamping and watercolor techniques.

4. Solvent Ink (like StazOn):

• Permanent and quick-drying on non-porous surfaces (think acetate or vellum).

• Not recommended for use with alcohol markers.

5. Distress & Water-Reactive Inks:

• Designed for blending, watercoloring, and mixed media.

• React beautifully with water for textured effects.

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🎨 How to Pick the Right Ink for the Job

When you're planning your project, ask yourself these questions:

• Will I be coloring in my stamped image? If yes, use a waterproof ink like Memento Tuxedo Black with alcohol markers or StazOn with water-based mediums.

• Do I want to heat emboss? Then choose a slow-drying pigment ink like VersaMark or white craft ink.

• Am I creating a blended background? Distress Oxides or Stampin’ Up! classic inks on blending brushes are ideal.

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🧼 Don’t Forget Ink Care Tips

• Store ink pads upside down to keep them juicy (unless using Stampin' Up! ink, our pads are designed to be "upside down" when in the upright position!).

• Clean stamps immediately after use, especially when using pigment or solvent inks.

• Always label your ink pads by type so you don’t accidentally ruin your markers!

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💡 Crafter’s Pro Tip

If you're ever unsure which ink to use, do a tiny test on a scrap piece of your project paper first. It takes two seconds and can save your whole card!

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Inking is more than just stamping—it's an art form. With a solid understanding of ink types and a little practice, you'll add the perfect touch to every project. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned stamper, mastering ink choices will level up your cardmaking game!

Stay creative,
Katrina 💌
Katrina’s Kreative Heart

P.S. Got a favorite ink trick or technique? Share it with me on Facebook or Instagram—I’d love to see your ideas! 

Impressions Abloom: 3 Quick-Wow Cards, July Album Retreat & Paper Pumpkin Sneak Peek

 Hey crafty friends! 👋

Sunday’s LIVE was a whirlwind of pretty paper, fun folds, and juicy July news. In case you missed the stream (or want the written scoop), here’s everything we covered—from Stampin’ Up!’s upcoming Album Retreat to three Impressions Abloom cards you can whip up tonight.

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Housekeeping Highlights

What	Need-to-Know	Dates / Details
Album Retreat	12 double-page spreads (24 pages!)—all supplies included except adhesives & album	July 16–18
Online Exclusives	Holiday-themed goodies drop again	July 1– (watch the store!)
Paper Pumpkin – “Sweeter with You”	8 strawberry-sweet cards + circle-dies add-on (subscriber exclusive)	Subscribe by July 10

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Card #1 – Window Z Fun Fold

Inspired by Karen Titus’s clever fold

• Base: Pool Party — 8½" × 5½", score 4¼"

• Inside Z-Panel: Basic White — 8" × 5¼", score 2", 4"

• DSP: Floral Impressions 4¼" × 5½"

• Circle Stack: 2⅜" Pool Party, 2" Strawberry Slush, 1¾" Basic White

• Inks: Strawberry Slush, Timid Tiger, Pool Party, Misty Moonlight, Darling Duckling

• Tip: Punch the window after adhering the DSP so everything lines up.

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Card #2 – Easy Joy Fold

Quick, joyful, and fits a standard envelope.

• Outer Panel: Strawberry Slush — 4¼" × 5½"

• Inner Card: Basic White — 8½" × 3", score 4¼"

• Layer: Early Espresso — 3¼" × 4½"

• Front DSP: 4" × 2¾"

• Accent Dies: Old Olive stems, Strawberry Slush blooms (adhesive sheets make it mess-free!)

• Sentiment: “Thanks” (Everyday Arches dies)

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Card #3 – Classic Layout (Looks Fancy, Builds Fast)

• Base: Strawberry Slush — 8½" × 5½", score 4¼"

• Front Layers: Pretty in Pink — 4¼" × 3¼"; DSP — 4" × 3"

• Inside Panel: Basic White — 3½" × 5"

• Focal Bloom: Pretty in Pink + Strawberry Slush; center in Darling Duckling

• Leafy Die-cut: Old Olive

• Finishing Touches: Strawberry Slush ribbon & sparkle gems

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Ready to Craft?

Grab the Impressions Abloom bundle while it’s still an online exclusive, stock up on those sparkly Strawberry Slush gems, and remember to secure your seat at the Album Retreat (spots go fast). Need the July Paper Pumpkin? Hit that subscribe button by July 10 so the gingham-wrapped goodness lands on your doorstep.

Want the free PDF printable tutorial for all of these cards, be sure to subscribe to my mailing list before Tuesday 6/24/25! Join here

Happy stamping, and thanks a bunch for hanging out with me each week!

Katrina

Katrina’s Kreative Heart 💖

Why You’ll Love Our Impressions Abloom Summer Class"

 

Need a creative escape this summer? Our newest card class is the perfect blend of florals, fun, and fresh color! I’m teaming up with my crafty friend Cyndy Wilde from Stamping the Wild Way to bring you a beautiful, easy-to-enjoy class featuring the Impressions Abloom bundle.

What’s Included:
For just $45, you’ll receive:

• 1/4 pack of 2025–2027 In-Color cardstock

• In-Color Flat Pearls

• Two adhesive sheets

• Pre-cut card kits for 4 unique designs

• Step-by-step video tutorials

• Shipping included!

What You'll Make:
We’re designing four cards that showcase the best of the Impressions Abloom bundle — floral layering, soft textures, and standout color combos. It’s beginner-friendly and perfect for a creative reset.

How to Register:
Sign up now through June 19 today. Kits ship on June 26 and should arrive just in time for early July crafting!

Let your creativity bloom this summer — [click here to register] and join the fun!

Set Sail with the Sunrise Sailing Bundle

 If you're dreaming of salt air, a gentle breeze, and smooth sailing into your next crafting session, the Sunrise Sailing bundle is the perfect pick. This week during our Sunday Live, we explored three creative card designs using this beautiful set, featuring stamps, dies, and a hybrid embossing folder—all in one convenient bundle!

Here's a peek at what we made:

🧭 Card 1: Pillar Pop-Out Fun Fold

This 3D card packs serious wow-factor but folds flat for mailing! With Misty Moonlight and Cherry Cobbler cardstock plus Regals DSP, it frames the sentiment "You're destined for great things" beside a cheery sailboat. You’ll love how the column creates that dynamic dimensional effect!

Grab the recipe card here

🖌 Card 2: Ink Blended Sunset Scene

We blended Misty Moonlight and Azure Afternoon for serene water, with Strawberry Slush and Timid Tiger adding that perfect sunset glow. A masked sun and a die-cut silhouette ship tie everything together for a peaceful "Congratulations" card.

Card Recipe HERE

⚓ Card 3: Clean & Classy Embossed Layers

Using the hybrid embossing folder, we created a crisp embossed sailboat and layered Misty Moonlight details for dimension. The simple "Best Wishes" sentiment finishes it off with elegance.

Card Recipe HERE

Extra Highlights You Might've Missed:

• The June Paper Pumpkin (“Full of Charm”) is only available through the 10th—9 gorgeous cards with gold foil accents and Pretty Peacock ink.

• Our BOGO Suite Sale is live: buy one suite, get another at 50% off (lesser item discounted).

• Registration is open for Stampin’ Up!’s Virtual Album Retreat, July 16–18. You'll make a full 12-month spread—24 pages total!

• And don’t forget! My upcoming Impressions  Abloom class with Cyndy launches this week. 

You’ll find all the card recipes on the blog within 24 hours—ready for you to recreate these sea-sational designs. Whether you’re new to cardmaking or a seasoned crafter, this bundle is an absolute breeze to design with.

Happy crafting—and may your creativity sail smoothly this week! ⛵💙
—Katrina

“Poppin’ By” for a Fun and Easy Card Class!

 Popcorn, Paper, and Poppin’ Fun: A New Monthly Card Class Is Here!

Hello crafty friends!

Summer might be taking its sweet time getting here (yes, we had a fire going in the fireplace on June 1st!), but we’re heating things up in the craft room with a brand new monthly offering and a super cute stamp set that’s just too stinkin’ fun.

This past Sunday’s live was all about the “Poppin’ By” bundle—a playful online exclusive from Stampin’ Up! that celebrates movie nights, buttery popcorn, and quirky sentiments like “No one’s butter than you.” I demonstrated three cards using this bundle:

1. Simple “Poppin’ In to Say Hello” Card – A clean, quick design with buttery popcorn pieces (yes, we used ink spatter to mimic real melted butter!). 

   
   
   

2. Popcorn & Film Strip Card – This one got a fun background of dancing popcorn kernels and film strip die cuts to pull together the movie-night theme.

   
   
   

3. Pop-Out Z-Fold Card – A wow-factor fun fold that stands beautifully but folds flat for easy mailing. It even features a popcorn character wearing sunglasses. Yes, he's styling! 

   
   
   

🆕 INTRODUCING: First-Sunday Free-with-Purchase Card Class!

I’m so excited to roll out something new starting this month. Each first Sunday of the month, I’ll be sharing a card class live—and you can get the kit free with a $40 order from my online Stampin’ Up! store.

Here’s how it works:

• Place your $40+ order by the 15th of the month

• I’ll send you the pre-cut card kits by the 20th

• You’ll also receive a PDF tutorial with photos, plus a QR code linking you to the class replay

Just bring your own stamps and ink—and of course, the “Poppin’ By” bundle if you want to recreate these exact designs.

🎁 Bonus Bits:

• June’s Paper Pumpkin is called Full of Charm, and it looks adorable. Think pre-cut pieces, foil details, and coordinating colors like Pretty Peacock and Mossy Meadow. Subscribe by June 10th!

• Starting June 3rd, Stampin’ Up! is running a Buy One, Get One 50% Off Sale on all sweets and sweet products—an amazing time to stock up!

• Don’t forget the Virtual Album Retreat happening July 16–18. Create a 24-page year-round album with exclusive stamps and everything prepped for you (except ink and the album itself). Can’t attend live? No worries—it’s all recorded.

💬 Lastly, mark your calendar for June 21st at 7 p.m.—our next Craft & Chat Night on the Butter platform. It’s free, it’s casual, and you can bring any crafty project (even sewing!). No download needed—just click the link when I share it closer to the date.

Thank you so much for popping by and crafting with me this week. Whether you're team “extra butter” (🙋‍♀️) or keep it plain, I hope you have a chance to make something joyful this week.

Until next time,
Katrina 💛

What’s Shakin’ Bacon? A Sweet Deal + A Wobbly Piggy Card!

 Hey there, crafty friends!

Let’s start with something super exciting: Stampin’ Up!’s Starter Kit special for May is seriously the best deal in the catalog right now!

Normally, when you join Stampin’ Up!, you get to choose $125 in product for just $99—plus free shipping, a past Paper Pumpkin kit, and business supplies, including a pack of 8 catalogs to share with your crafty crew.

But this month, they’ve bumped up the value:
👉 You now get to choose $165 in product and still pay only $99!
You still get the free shipping, the free Paper Pumpkin, and the full set of business supplies.

Now, here’s the best part: you do you.
There’s no pressure, no minimum orders every week or month if you choose.
You can be your own happy shopper—think of it like a BJ’s or Costco membership for craft supplies. You shop from yourself and save 20% on all your orders.

If you decide to turn it into a business? Awesome! You can earn 20% commission on every order you collect. But again, it’s totally your choice.

Whether you craft for fun or are ready to share your love of stamping with others, this deal is worth considering. No strings. Just stamps. 🎉

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Now, let’s talk about our adorable project of the night—because this piggy stole the show!

🐷 Meet the Party Piggy!
We kicked things off with a fun shaker card featuring the “What’s Shakin’, Bacon?” sentiment and some chewy Tic Tacs inside the belly for extra shake! I had planned to use Nerds candy (hello, maximum shake!), but these did the trick.

And the star of the show?
A wobbly piggy head thanks to a springy Action Wobble from my craft stash. (Yes, I actually found it when I needed it—small miracle!)

Here’s a quick breakdown of what we used for this card:

• Petal Pink cardstock (8½" x 5½", scored at 4¼")

• Distressed Tile 3D Embossing Folder for that textured layer

• Spotlight on Nature Dies for the big circle base

• Small Circle Shaker Domes (perfectly fit that piggy belly!)

• Stampin’ Blends in Petal Pink to shade his cute little snout and ears

• Scraps for stamping the piggy and sentiment (“What’s Shakin’ Bacon?”)

This little piggy is such a joy to craft with—she’s cute, she shakes, she wobbles, and she brings the party with her every time.

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This project was just one of three cards I shared during the live:

1. The Shaker Wobbler Card (“What’s Shakin’, Bacon?”)

2. A fun-fold birthday card featuring the party piggy with her little flags

3. Another shaker card with glitz and glitter in the piggy belly and a festive birthday hat!

I even managed to use every single stamp in the set except for “I am so proud of you.” (Don’t worry—it’s on deck for next time!) 

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If you missed the live, no worries—you can still catch the replay on YouTube. And if you’re ready to join Stampin’ Up! and get in on the May special, reach out or [click here to join]!

Let’s make May extra piggy and extra crafty! 🐖💕

Happy stamping,
Katrina
Katrina’s Kreative Heart

Handmade Healing with Hugs & Healing

 

Published by Katrina's Kreative Heart

If you’ve ever wished you could send a warm hug through the mail, Hugs & Healing is the stamp set for you!

In this week’s Live, I had so much fun sharing three sweet cards made with this charming online exclusive stamp set from Stampin’ Up! This set is full of adorable imagery—snuggly pets, ice packs, slings, and all—with sentiments perfect for sending comfort and care.

🐾 Card #1: Accordion Z-Fold with the Pup 

We kicked things off with a simple but striking accordion Z-fold card. I featured the sad little pup with the ice pack on his head and a thermometer in his mouth—so pitiful and adorable, right? Paired with paw prints and a “Hope You Feel Better Soon” sentiment, this fun fold really stands out on a desk or countertop.

Tip: The card base is 5½" x 11", scored at 1¾", 3½", 5¼", and 7". Designer Series Paper strips were cut to 1½" x 5¼", and we used a 3" x 6" piece scored at 3" for the front panel.

🐱 Card #2: Kitty with a Sling 

Next up, we showed our cat lovers some love with a card featuring a precious little kitty with her arm in a sling. I kept the coloring simple using Stampin’ Blends in Lost Lagoon and Crumb Cake. The frame from the Sentimental Framing dies added beautiful texture, and those holographic resin dots finished it off with just the right sparkle.

🐶🐱 Card #3: Puppy + Kitty Snuggle 

For our final card, we paired the pup and kitty in one heart-melting scene. With a fun, offset layout and layers of texture from the Spotlight on Nature and Framed Florets dies, this card came together so easily. I even pulled out my Color Lifter to soften the Calypso Coral coloring on the kitty (channeling my grandma’s old calico cat!).

🎉 Don’t Miss the May Join Offer!

This month only, Stampin’ Up! has an incredible join offer:

• Choose $165 in product

• Pay only $99

• FREE shipping

• FREE Paper Pumpkin kit

• FREE business supplies and catalogs

Whether you want to build a business or simply enjoy the discount like a crafty Costco membership, this offer is a win. And on our team, there’s zero pressure. Come for the fun, the community, and the inspiration—you do you!

👉 Click here to join my team or reach out with questions!

If you missed the live, you can catch the replay on Facebook or on YouTube. Until next time, happy stamping and sending hugs!

Crafty hugs,
Katrina
Katrina’s Kreative Heart