3 Easy Fall Cards with Glow of Harvest Designer Series Paper and Hot Foil

 Do you ever fall in love with a package of Designer Series Paper—and then become afraid to cut it?

You tell yourself you’re saving it for the “perfect” card, but the paper is so pretty that it stays tucked safely inside the package. Trust me, I understand! But beautiful paper is meant to be enjoyed, and the Glow of Harvest Specialty Designer Series Paper makes creating gorgeous fall cards almost effortless.

During this week’s Stampin’ Sundays, I created three warm and welcoming fall cards in less than an hour. Each design is approachable enough for a newer cardmaker, yet the layers, texture, and touches of hot foil give them plenty of wow.

If you’ve been feeling short on time, low on creative energy, or unsure where to begin, let the patterned paper do the hard part for you!

Let Your Designer Series Paper Do the Heavy Lifting

Glow of Harvest Specialty Designer Series Paper features pumpkins, acorns, branches, berries, and soft fall florals in a warm color palette that includes Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Golden Glow, and Pecan Pie.

It also has a beautiful pearlized sheen that adds something special without requiring another technique or embellishment.

Here’s one of my favorite shortcuts for creating with patterned paper:

1. Choose one pattern you love.
2. Pull two or three cardstock colors directly from the paper.
3. Add a simple greeting.
4. Finish with one small detail, such as linen thread, embossing, or a few Dimensionals.

That’s it! You don’t have to invent an elaborate design every time you sit down to craft.

Consider Yourself Hugged: Mix Patterns Without the Overwhelm

The first card combines three different sections of the Glow of Harvest paper, cut with the new Tile Garden Dies. Arranging the pieces over a Rustic Check embossed background created plenty of texture and interest while keeping the design soft and coordinated.

If combining patterns makes you nervous, use pieces from the same paper collection. The colors and artwork were designed to work together, so much of the guesswork has already been done for you.

I overlapped the center square and raised it with Stampin’ Dimensionals to create depth. The “Consider Yourself Hugged” greeting was stamped inside a hot-foiled frame.

This is the kind of card that lets someone know you’re thinking about her—even when you can’t be there to give her an actual hug.

I’m So Grateful: A Beautiful Card in Minutes

The second card proves that simple does not mean boring.

I layered one beautiful piece of Glow of Harvest paper over Cajun Craze cardstock and added it to a Pecan Pie card base. A small loop of linen thread and a narrow “I’m So Grateful” greeting were the only finishing touches it needed.

This card stayed relatively flat, which makes it a great choice when you want to mail something without bulky embellishments or additional postage.

Here’s another time-saving tip: save your narrow Basic White cardstock scraps. Half-inch strips are perfect for quick greetings, and using them saves both time and paper.

A card like this is ideal when you want to thank a friend, coworker, neighbor, or someone who has quietly made your day a little better.

Hello, Friend: Add a Little Shine with Hot Foil

For the third card, I paired the acorn-patterned paper with Early Espresso and Crumb Cake cardstock. Linen thread adds a rustic touch, while two pumpkins fussy cut directly from the Designer Series Paper create an easy focal point.

And yes, I said fussy cutting! If you don’t love fussy cutting, choose the larger, simpler images and leave the tiny leaves alone. Crafting should feel relaxing—not like a test of your patience.

The gold hot-foiled frame around the “Hello, Friend” greeting adds shine without overpowering the soft fall design.

One important hot foil tip: allow the plate to heat before placing the foil over it. Heating the foil along with the plate may cause unwanted foil to transfer outside the design, commonly called over-foiling.

Also, save your leftover foil pieces. Smaller hot foil dies can often fit into the unused sections, helping you get more from every sheet.

You Have Permission to Use the Pretty Paper

You don’t need an entire afternoon, a complicated card layout, or perfect creative confidence to make something beautiful. Start with one patterned paper, choose a simple layout, and let yourself enjoy the process.

The Glow of Harvest Specialty Designer Series Paper is Stampin’ Up!’s August Product of the Month. While supplies last, it can be added to a qualifying $75 order for just $5.

Which of these three fall cards would you make first: Consider Yourself Hugged, I’m So Grateful, or Hello, Friend? Leave me a comment and let me know—and save these ideas for the next time you need a little creative inspiration!

Product List

Banner Sayings Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [167044] $17.00	Flourish & Frames Hot Foil Dies [170064] $42.00	Glow Of Harvest 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper [168598] $5.00	Early Espresso 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [119686] $14.00
Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [120953] $14.00	Cajun Craze 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [119684] $14.00	Pecan Pie 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [161717] $14.00	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276] $13.00
Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad [147114] $9.00	Cajun Craze Classic Stampin' Pad [147085] $9.00	Linen Thread [104199] $5.00

Add All to Cart

3 Adorable Card Ideas with the Fluffy Squirrel Bundle

 There’s just something about squirrels that makes us smile—especially when they’re cute, fluffy, and holding tiny acorns or presents. This week during Stampin’ Sundays with Katrina, I featured the Fluffy Squirrel Stamp & Punch Bundle, and let me tell you—it’s stinkin’ adorable! Whether you’re crafting for fall, birthdays, or just because, these little critters bring a playful touch to any handmade card.

Today, I’m sharing three simple but oh-so-cute card ideas that you can recreate with this bundle. Grab your pecan pie ink, a little Early Espresso, and let’s get stamping!

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🍂 Card One: “May You Gather Happiness”

This first card sets the tone for cozy fall crafting.

• Base & Layers: I started with a Basic Beige card base and layered on gold-foiled paper from the Gathering Together Designer Series Paper pack.

• Accents: Two bannered strips of coordinating DSP added texture, topped with a stitched circle die cut.

• The Star: Our sweet squirrel was stamped in Early Espresso with a Pecan Pie filler, then punched out and popped up with dimensionals. His acorn was colored with Stampin’ Blends (light and dark Pecan Pie) for realistic shading.

• Finishing Touch: A sprinkle of Cajun Craze and gold gems brought in just the right autumn sparkle.

This card is quick, easy, and perfect for sending warm wishes during the fall season.

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🎁 Card Two: “Go Nuts, It’s Your Birthday!”

Who says squirrels are just for autumn? This birthday card proves otherwise!

• Base & Layers: Thick Basic White with a fun patterned DSP panel. I layered on a postage die cut piece for stamping.

• Squirrel Story: The first squirrel sits perched on a stamped and shaded tree stump, while a second squirrel (punched out this time) holds a fussy-cut present. The gift was colored in Cherry Cobbler and Darling Duckling Blends for a festive pop.

• Technique Spotlight: The sentiment, “Go Nuts, It’s Your Birthday,” was heat embossed in white on Early Espresso cardstock, then die-cut into an arched banner.

• Sparkle Factor: Coordinating gems added just the right birthday shine.

This card is playful, cheerful, and guaranteed to make someone smile!

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🐿️ Card Three: The Fuzzy Velvet Squirrel

This last design might just be my favorite—because who doesn’t love a fuzzy squirrel you can actually pet?

• Base & Layers: Early Espresso card base with an embossed plaid white panel, topped with a DSP strip. A diamond-shaped Darling Duckling cardstock layer gave it some bold contrast.

• Texture Magic: I stamped the squirrel on specialty flocked velvet paper, punched him out, and let the texture do the talking. (Tip: the ink takes longer to dry on velvet paper, so you may want to heat set it on low.)

• Sentiment: A simple banner strip stamped with “Can’t wait to see you again” tied the design together.

• Finishing Touch: A trio of embellishments brought balance and shine.

This card shows how easy it is to elevate your designs with texture—perfect for when you want to wow without a lot of extra effort.

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Tips for Working with the Fluffy Squirrel Bundle

• Layering DSP: Mix foiled and patterned papers for instant dimension.

• Heat Embossing: Always preheat your heat tool for smoother results.

• Velvet Paper: Be patient with drying times or give it a quick blast with the low heat setting.

• Punching Strategy: Stamp first, then punch for perfect alignment every time.

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Closing
I hope these three projects have given you some fresh ideas for using the Fluffy Squirrel Stamp & Punch Bundle. Whether you’re crafting for fall, birthdays, or just to bring a smile, this bundle is sure to become a favorite in your stash.

👉 Tell me in the comments—which card is YOUR favorite? The happy fall squirrel, the birthday squirrel, or the fuzzy velvet squirrel? Don’t forget to pin these ideas to save for later, and be sure to check out my YouTube channel if you’d like to watch the full tutorial replay.