Modern Christmas Suite: 3 Chic Cards (Ornament, Star & Trees)

 If you’re itching to kick off Christmas card season with something elegant (and quick!), you’re going to love the Modern Christmas Suite. Think classic black and white, luxe gold foil, and simple layouts that look oh-so-fancy. Tonight I’m sharing three chic designs: a gold-star showstopper, a joy-fold with evergreens, and an inlaid ornament that feels like jewelry for your card front.

Why the Modern Christmas Suite?

This suite makes it easy to craft “wow” cards fast. The specialty DSP gives you black-and-white patterns on one side and gold foil on the other—so every piece you cut feels designer. Add the Ornamental Christmas bundle (stamps + dies), twine, and optional large gold hoops, and you’ve got endless mix-and-match options.

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Card 1: Wishing You Peace & Joy (Gold Star)

Vibe: Minimal, luxe, timeless
You’ll need:

• Basic Black card base (8-1/2" x 5-1/2", scored at 4-1/4")

• Basic White inside panel (5-1/4" x 4")

• Brushed Gold Foil (3-1/4" x 3-1/4")

• Modern Christmas DSP (3" x 3")

• Gold heat-embossing supplies (VersaMark + Gold EP)

• Star die, Black/Gold baker’s twine, Dimensionals

How to assemble:

1. Layer the 3" x 3" DSP over the 3-1/4" square foil. Wrap twine around the panel four times and tie a bow to the left (tweezers are your best friend).

2. Die-cut a gold star and pop it up in the center with a single Dimensional.

3. Gold heat-emboss “Wishing you peace and joy” on a 1/2" strip of Basic Black; pop it across the panel to finish.

Pro tip: When heat-embossing on black, swipe first with an embossing buddy to keep stray powder at bay and get that crisp, metallic shine.

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Card 2: Joy-Fold “’Tis the Season” with Trees

Vibe: Interactive, classic, warm
You’ll need:

• Thick Basic White (9" x 4-1/4", scored at 5-1/2") – main base

• Thick Basic White (8-1/2" x 3-1/4", scored at 4-1/4") – inner flap

• DSP panel (4" x 5-1/4") + front layers: Basic Black (4" x 3-1/4"), DSP (3-3/4" x 3")

• Circle die-cut (≈3") for sentiment

• Mossy Meadow ink + cardstock for trees, Memento for trunks (or a Basic Black Blend)

• Low-profile gold dots, Dimensionals, Adhesive

How to assemble:

1. Adhere the 4" x 5-1/4" DSP inside the main card base. Center and adhere the smaller folded card (inner flap) onto the left panel of the main base.

2. Layer Basic Black (4" x 3-1/4") with DSP (3-3/4" x 3") and adhere to the small front flap.

3. Stamp “’Tis the Season” slightly left-of-center on the circle, pop up with Dimensionals.

4. Stamp two Mossy Meadow trees; color trunks; die-cut. Adhere one flat behind the circle; pop the second with Dimensionals so it overlaps the right edge of the circle.

5. Finish with three gold dots for a rule-of-three sparkle.

Pro tip: Place Dimensionals only where the circle sits on the small flap—so your card still opens easily.

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Card 3: Inlaid Ornament with Diagonal Embossed Panel

Vibe: Sophisticated, textural, couture
You’ll need:

• Thick Basic White base (8-1/2" x 5-1/2", score at 4-1/4")

• Basic Black layer (5-1/4" x 4")

• Basic White layer (3-3/4" x 5")—cut diagonally, then trim 1/4" from the straight edge of both pieces to create a channel

• Christmas Words Collage 3D embossing folder (hybrid)

• Ornament dies: outline (Black), solid backer (White), detail inlay (Gold Foil) + topper (Gold)

• Black/Gold baker’s twine, Gold dots, Dimensionals, Tear & Tape (as a “holder” for angled twine)

How to assemble:

1. Emboss the two White diagonal pieces. Stamp “Merry Christmas” on the lower piece in Memento and let it dry.

2. Adhere both diagonals to the Black layer, keeping an even gap between them for the twine channel. Wrap twine on the angle and secure on the back (use Tear & Tape to coax it into place), tie a small bow.

3. Die-cut: Black ornament (outline), White ornament (backer), Gold detail circles + topper. Adhere Black outline to White backer; inlay Gold pieces; add Gold topper.

4. Pop the ornament over the twine channel with Dimensionals; add three gold dots.

Pro tip: Inlay tiny pieces with micro-dots of liquid glue—just enough to hold, not enough to ooze.

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What’s New & Can’t-Miss

• Paper Pumpkin (November: “Wrapped in Cheer”) – Subscribe by November 10 for festive treat/gift-card boxes with tags, twine, and classic holiday colors.

• Online Exclusives – Fresh holiday goodies (including this suite!) available online—some while supplies last.

• 12 Days of Crafting Advent Calendar – I’ll be opening one box per night this week—join me live and craft along!

• Best Join Offer I’ve seen: Choose $125 in product for $35 or $189 in product for $99—both with free shipping and a past Paper Pumpkin kit. If you’re curious, let’s chat—no pressure, just options.

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I hope these ideas spark your creativity and make holiday cardmaking feel joyful, not stressful. Tell me: which card is your favorite—the star, the trees, or the ornament? Drop a comment, save this for later, and share with a crafty friend who loves black, white, and gold as much as we do!

Festive Friends Christmas Cards: Quick, Cute & Gift-Ready!

 

It’s officially Christmas card season, my friends — and I couldn’t be more excited! This week, I kicked things off with the Festive Friends Bundle, and let me tell you, it’s the perfect mix of fun, festive, and adorable. Between the sweet little elf, the sparkly snowman, and a Santa card that doubles as a gift-card holder, these projects will have you ready for holiday gifting in no time.

So grab your coffee (mine’s always close by 😉), and let’s dive into some easy, merry cardmaking!

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🎁 The Bundle That Brings the Joy

The Festive Friends Bundle from Stampin’ Up! has everything you need to create whimsical Christmas cards that will bring smiles all season long. The set includes coordinating dies for every image — from Santa and his jolly hat to the sweetest little elf you’ve ever seen. You’ll also find trees, snowflakes, and a variety of tag shapes that make layering and embellishing so simple.

I love that it works beautifully with other seasonal favorites too, like the Traditions of Christmas Designer Series Paper and a touch of Wink of Stella for that frosty sparkle.

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🧝‍♂️ Quick & Cute: Our Merry Little Elf

First up was our cheerful elf! I used Old Olive Stampin’ Blends for his outfit and Petal Pink for his skin tone, then gave his button a pop of Real Red. The design features a stitched circle layer and a fun label die borrowed from the Fright Night bundle — proving that mixing and matching your dies is half the fun!

Tip: When coloring with alcohol markers, work in small sections so your ink blends smoothly while still wet.

Add a few sequins, and voilà — one adorable card ready to make spirits bright.

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☃️ Shimmery Snowman Delight

Next came the snowman — glistening with Wink of Stella from head to toe! His scarf and hat are colored in Real Red and Old Olive, and his nose in Pumpkin Pie (of course!). I layered him over a piece of glimmer paper and used a few die-cut snowflakes for texture and movement.

Don’t forget to decorate the inside of your cards too! I added a stamped tree and a few snowflakes for that extra “wow” when it’s opened.

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🎅 A Gift Card Holder That’s Santa-Approved

The last project of the evening was my favorite — a simple card that doubles as a gift card holder! The card base is scored at 5½" and 9", creating a pocket for your gift card. I used tear-and-tape to secure the edges, added a bit of designer series paper for contrast, and finished with our jolly Santa colored in Real Red, Petal Pink, and a little Smoky Slate shading.

The sentiment “Santa’s Coming to Town” says it all — perfect for friends, teachers, or anyone on your list.

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✨ A Few More Notes

• The October Paper Pumpkin Kit subscription is open until October 10th — you’ll make nine Christmas cards with coordinating envelopes and festive embellishments.

• Don’t miss the Kit Sale running Tuesday–Wednesday, where you can save up to 30% on all-inclusive kits (including that gorgeous card keeper box!).

• And if you’ve been thinking about joining Stampin’ Up!, the $35 Join Special this month is the best I’ve ever seen. You’ll pick $125 in products, pay just $35, and get free shipping — plus 20% off future orders.

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💌 Let’s Keep Crafting Together!

I had such a blast creating these cheerful Christmas projects, and I hope they inspire you to get festive early this year. Which one was your favorite — the elf, the snowman, or Santa’s gift card holder? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time, happy stamping, and may your week be filled with sparkle and creativity.

💖
Katrina
Katrina’s Kreative Heart

Cozy Fall Cardmaking with the Autumn Trees Bundle

 Fall is officially in the air, and what better way to celebrate the season than with cozy cardmaking? This week during Stampin’ Sundays with Katrina, I featured the Autumn Trees Bundle from Stampin’ Up! and let me tell you—it’s a gorgeous set for capturing those warm, earthy autumn vibes. Whether you love layered leaves, sweet little deer silhouettes, or just the magic of fall colors, this bundle delivers.

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Why I Love the Autumn Trees Bundle

The Autumn Trees bundle is all about versatility. While it doesn’t include sentiments, it shines with beautiful images—think stately trees, falling leaves, and woodland critters. This makes it the perfect companion for any sentiment set you already own (I used a few from the Amber Autumn set). Pairing images with sentiments lets you stretch your creativity and customize your cards for any occasion.

Pro tip: If you don’t have a sentiment set handy, reach for a versatile one like The Right Words. It has a little bit of everything from thank-yous to birthdays.

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Three Simple but Stunning Fall Cards

1. Grateful For You

• Base: Thick Very Vanilla (11" x 4¼", scored at 5½")

• Design: Layered Designer Series Paper cut diagonally and mounted on Early Espresso cardstock.

• Focal Point: A die-cut tree adorned with leaves in Pumpkin Pie, Darling Daffodil, and Mossy Meadow.

• Finishing Touch: Old Olive twine tied in a neat bow and the sentiment “Grateful For You.”

👉 Tip: When cutting DSP on the diagonal, stack two pieces together and slice at once. Then mix-and-match patterns for effortless variety.

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2. Autumn Wishes

• Base: Early Espresso (11" x 4¼", scored at 5½").

• Design: That beautiful Toile Designer Series Paper for a cozy background.

• Focal Point: A die-cut deer paired with a simple oval label stamped “Autumn Wishes.”

• Inside: Don’t forget to stamp a sweet deer in the corner—it makes the inside as charming as the outside.

👉 Tip: Shape dies (like ovals and labels) are gold! Use them across your entire crafting stash, not just with the set they came from.

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3. Thanks

• Base: Cajun Craze (8½" x 5½", scored at 4¼").

• Design: A strip of DSP across the center.

• Focal Point: A stamped tree inked in Old Olive, then “bumped” with Crushed Curry and Cajun Craze for a multicolored look. The trunk was colored with Stampin’ Blends.

• Accents: A deer silhouette die-cut from Early Espresso, paired with a popped-up “Thanks” sentiment and a twine bow.

👉 Tip: Try the “bumping technique” for leaves. Stamp your tree in a base color, then lightly dab on other fall colors for a natural, blended look.

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Tips for Using Sentiment-Free Sets

One of the biggest takeaways from working with the Autumn Trees bundle is that image-only sets are more flexible than you think. They let you:

• Mix and match with ANY sentiment in your collection.

• Create cards that can stay sentiment-free until you’re ready to gift them.

• Focus on techniques like die-cut layering, ink blending, and color play.

So, don’t shy away from a set that’s “missing” sentiments—think of it as an open invitation to get creative!

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Special October Offers You Don’t Want to Miss

🍁 Join Stampin’ Up! for only $35 starting October 1st! Choose $125 in product, get free shipping, catalogs, business supplies, and even a past Paper Pumpkin kit. Or, join for $99 and pick $185 in product. Either way, it’s one of the best deals I’ve ever seen.

🎄 October Paper Pumpkin – Cozy Christmas: Create nine heartfelt Christmas cards with flocked accents and coordinating envelopes. Subscribe by October 10th to get yours.

🎁 Advent Calendar: A limited-time “12 Days of Gifting” kit full of crafty surprises. Perfect for yourself or as a gift!

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Wrapping Up

These three Autumn Trees cards were such a joy to create, and they truly capture the spirit of the season. I hope you’re inspired to pull out your fall colors and start creating!

👉 Which card was your favorite—Grateful For You, Autumn Wishes, or Thanks? Drop a comment below and let me know!

And don’t forget to join me next week—we’re kicking off Christmas crafting season! 🎄

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.

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

I’m Back! Let’s Get Creative Again!

 

Hello, crafty friends!

It’s been a while since I last shared here on the blog, but I’m excited to be back! Life has been busy (as it always is), but I’ve missed this space and connecting with you all through creativity. So, I’m making a fresh start—with a plan to post once a week to keep things consistent and manageable.

To keep things flowing, my weekly blog post will tie into my Sunday Facebook and YouTube Live sessions. That means each week, I’ll be diving deeper into the products, techniques, and inspiration I share during my live crafting sessions—giving you even more ways to bring creativity into your week.

This Sunday, I’m featuring the stunning Botanical Textures Suite Collection—a must-have for texture lovers! From the corrugated 3D embossing folder to the Woven Textures Designer Series Paper (with knit, wood, and geometric patterns in warm earth tones) and the Botanical Textures DSP (offering elegant black-and-white botanical imagery), this suite is packed with possibilities. I’ll be sharing project ideas, tips, and ways to mix and match these gorgeous textures.

I’d love to hear from you—what kind of content inspires you most? Let me know in the comments, and be sure to join me live this Sunday as we explore this suite together.

Happy stamping,
Katrina

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