Katrina's Kreative Heart: emboss resist.

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!

Product List

Simply Leaves Bundle (English) [168165] $45.00	Simply Leaves Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [168158] $25.00	Simple Leaf Punch [168164] $25.00	Pumpkin Pie 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [105117] $14.00
Pumpkin Pie 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Two Tone Cardstock [166695] $10.00	Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [120953] $14.00	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [166780] $14.00	Cajun Craze 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [119684] $14.00
Golden Glow 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [167685] $14.00	Early Espresso 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [119686] $14.00	2026–2028 In Color™ Gingham Gallery 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [168218] $12.50	Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad [147116] $11.00
Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad [147114] $9.00	Lemon Lolly Classic Stampin' Pad [161666] $9.00	Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Pad [147111] $9.00	Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad [147083] $9.00
Petal Pink Classic Stampin' Pad [147108] $9.00	Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Pad [147094] $11.00	Linen Thread [104199] $5.00	Earthy Matte Dots [167213] $9.00
Stylish Shapes Dies [159183] $30.00	Stampin' Dimensionals [104430] $4.25	Mini Glue Dots [103683] $7.25

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April 13, 2017

Weather Together and More of the Ink Smooshing Technique

Hi there and Happy Thursday! I hope you're enjoying your Holy Thursday. I didn't exactly plan this, but I guess this card I'm sharing with you today is quite appropriate for the day. Today is the day recognized as the day of our Lords Last Supper before His arrest and crucifixion which has a sadness attached to it when you think of what He endured for us as a result of our sins. My card today uses the fun technique of Ink Smooshing! I just LOVE playing with ink this way and the colors look stormy and then there's the rain.

Anyhoo, for this card, I started with a standard card base of 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" Dapper Denim that I scored and folded at 4 1/4". I then took a piece of watercolor paper cut 5 1/4" x 4" and prepped it with the Embossing Buddy. I then stamped the rain drops randomly using Versamark ink and heat embossed them with the Clear Embossing Powder, this will create an emboss resist. Then, using a piece of window sheet, I "smooshed" ink onto it and spritzed it with water and randomly applied the ink to the watercolor paper. I did dry the ink with my heat tool in between colors. I started with Pool Party first, then moved onto Tempting Turquoise, Dapper Denim, Smoky Slate followed by a second layer of Dapper Denim. I stamped 3 clouds onto Whisper White cardstock using Smoky Slate ink and cut them out with the coordinating die. I then cut 2 umbrella tops out, one from Dapper Denim and one from Flirty Flamingo. and I trimmed out the center portion of the Flirty Flamingo and attached it to the Dapper Denim to create the 2 toned umbrella. I then cut 2 umbrella handles, one from Silver Foil and the other from the Flirty Flamingo cardstock and I trimmed off the "hooked" end of the Flirty Flamingo handle and attached that to the Silver Foil handle and attached the handle using a glue dot and the umbrella top with Dimensionals. I then cut a piece of Vellum and prepped it with the Embossing Buddy and stamped the sentiment with Versamark ink. I used the retired black embossing powder and heat embossed the sentiment and attached that to the card with a glue dot strategically placed under the sentiment to camouflage it. I then added a few Sparkling Clear sequins I got from Pretty Pink Posh to complete the card and add a little "somethin' somethin'".
I hope you enjoyed today's card and I truly hope it inspires you to pull out your ink and play with this technique. I know you will have fun with it, just give it a try. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. I'm here to help.
Have a great day and Happy Stamping,
Katrina
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