Easy Cards to Restart Your Creative Mojo (Using the 12 Days of Crafting Advent Calendar)

 If your craft room has been a little quiet lately, you’re not alone. Between holidays, family time, and the general chaos of December, creativity can take a back seat. This week on Stampin’ Sundays, I wanted to make things easy. No pressure. No overthinking. Just three simple, pretty cards using supplies from the 12 Days of Crafting Advent Calendar to help gently restart that creative mojo.

These cards are proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or hours at your desk to make something beautiful.

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Why Simple Cards Matter After the Holidays

Let’s be honest—jumping straight back into layered, technique-heavy projects can feel overwhelming. When creativity feels stuck, the best thing you can do is:

• Use what you already have

• Follow a simple process

• Let the supplies do the heavy lifting

That’s exactly why kits and curated boxes (like this Advent Calendar) are such a lifesaver this time of year.

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Card #1: Soft Florals + Stencils = Instant Wins

For the first card, I used the floral stencils from the Advent Calendar along with blending brushes and a soft color palette. Layered stencils might sound intimidating, but these are numbered and designed to line up easily—no guesswork required.

Why this card works:

• Stenciling adds depth without bulk

• Soft ink blending keeps it light and forgiving

• Minimal embellishments let the design shine

This is the kind of card you can make multiples of once you’re in the groove.

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Card #2: 3” x 4” Cards for Fast & Fabulous Designs

The second card highlights one of my favorite things from the Advent Calendar: the 3” x 4” pre-printed cards. These little panels are a game changer when you want results without fuss.

I simply:

• Matted the card with coordinating cardstock

• Added baker’s twine for texture

• Finished with a stamped sentiment and a few gold accents

Tip: These small cards are perfect focal points w

hen your brain doesn’t want to “design” — they’ve already done it for you.

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Card #3: Embossed Panels with Gentle Color

For the final card, I used one of the embossed 3” x 4” panels and lightly added ink over the raised areas with a blending brush. This gives you:

• Subtle color

• Beautiful texture

• A clean, elegant look

Paired with a simple sentiment and one small embellishment, this card came together in minutes.

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The Big Takeaway

You don’t need to go all-in to get back into crafting. Sometimes the best thing you can do is:

• Make something simple

• Use coordinated supplies

• Give yourself permission to keep it easy

That’s how creativity comes back naturally.

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Still Available (For Now!)

The 12 Days of Crafting Advent Calendar is still available on the Last Chance list. It includes:

• A stamp set

• Coordinating dies

• Stencils

• Pre-printed cards

• Embossed panels

• Labels, twine, and embellishments

It’s a fantastic value and an easy way to build your stash while actually using what you buy.

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If you’ve been feeling creatively stuck, I hope this inspires you to pull out a simple kit and just start. Let me know in the comments—which card was your favorite? And if you want more easy card ideas like this, be sure you’re on my email list so you never miss a project.

Product List

12 Days Of Crafting Advent Calendar (English) [167335] $99.00	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [159229] $17.00	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [166780] $14.00	Crushed Curry 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [131199] $14.00
Melon Mambo 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [115320] $14.00	Misty Moonlight 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [153081] $14.00	Darling Duckling 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [165622] $14.00	Flirty Flamingo Classic Stampin' Pad [147052] $9.00
Soft Sea Foam Classic Stampin' Pad [147102] $9.00	Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad [147090] $9.00	Strawberry Slush Classic Stampin' Pad [165286] $9.00	Darling Duckling Classic Stampin' Pad [165277] $9.00
Misty Moonlight Classic Stampin' Pad [153118] $9.00

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Botanical Textures Suite Collection By Stampin' Up!

 Exploring the Many Textures of the Botanical Textures Suite Collection

One of the most exciting things about creating with Stampin’ Up! products is the ability to add dimension and texture to our projects, bringing them to life in a way that flat images just can’t. This week, I showcased the Botanical Textures Suite Collection, and let me tell you—it’s a texture lover’s dream!

A Feast for the Senses

The Botanical Textures Suite Collection is all about layers, depth, and contrast. Whether you’re a fan of subtle dimension or bold, tactile elements, this suite has something for you. Let’s dive into the key elements that make this collection a must-have for any crafter.

The Corrugated 3D Embossing Folder

Texture starts with the right background, and the Corrugated 3D Embossing Folder delivers just that. This folder adds a deep, realistic corrugated texture that’s perfect for rustic and organic designs. Whether used on cardstock or specialty papers, it provides an instant “wow” factor with minimal effort. I especially love it on Kraft or Soft Suede cardstock for that authentic, earthy feel.

Woven Textures Designer Series Paper

Next up is the Woven Textures DSP, and this paper pack is packed with variety! You’ll find knitted patterns, woven wood textures, and geometric designs in warm, earthy tones. These backgrounds are stunning on their own but also pair beautifully with bold stamped images and die cuts. If you want to create the illusion of fabric or woven baskets in your paper crafting, this paper is your new best friend.

Botanical Textures Designer Series Paper

The Botanical Textures DSP brings in the beauty of nature with black-and-white botanical imagery layered with rich shades of Basic Gray. This paper is perfect for those who love to add their own pops of color. Use Blending Brushes, Stampin’ Blends, or watercolor techniques to bring these images to life while still keeping that bold, textural contrast. It’s a fantastic way to add drama to your projects!

Bringing It All Together

During my live, I shared a few ways to mix and match these textures for maximum impact. Here are a few takeaways:

• Layering is key – Stack the Corrugated 3D Embossed cardstock with a Woven Textures DSP strip and top it off with a fussy-cut botanical element from the Botanical Textures DSP.

• Play with contrast – Pair the structured lines of the corrugated texture with the soft, organic feel of the floral elements.

• Add finishing touches – A little Linen Thread or wooden embellishments bring even more tactile charm to your creations.

The Botanical Textures Suite Collection is a crafter’s playground, filled with endless possibilities. Whether you’re drawn to rustic, modern, or vintage-inspired styles, this suite has the elements to bring your vision to life.

If you missed my live, be sure to check out the replay on my Facebook page or YouTube channel to see these textures in action! And don’t forget to grab your favorites from my Stampin’ Up! store before they’re gone!

Happy crafting!

Katrina