Showing posts with label handmade cards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label handmade cards. Show all posts

February 2, 2026

🌸 Sweet Bugs Bundle: 3 Adorable & Easy Cards You’ll Love

 If you’ve been craving something cute, cheerful, and easy, this week’s projects are going to hit the spot.

Between winter weather that just won’t quit and the itch to start thinking spring, I was more than ready to play with the Sweet Bugs Bundle from Stampin’ Up!—and let me tell you, this suite did most of the work for us.

These three cards are quick to make, beginner-friendly, and full of charming little details that make you smile without requiring complicated techniques. If you love letting Designer Series Paper shine (and who doesn’t?), you’re going to love these.


🐞 Why the Sweet Bugs Bundle Is a Total Win

This suite is adorable without being over-the-top, and it’s incredibly versatile. You get:

  • A playful stamp set with sweet sentiments

  • Coordinating dies that cut out stamped images and Designer Series Paper elements

  • Cute-as-can-be Ladybug Epoxy Shapes

  • Old Olive rickrack ribbon for texture

  • And that Cute as a Bug 12" x 12" Designer Series Paper—the real MVP

The paper alone creates instant scenes, which means less work for you and more time enjoying the process.


✂️ Card #1: Hello Friend (Simple with a Twist)


This card is proof that one angled piece of DSP can completely change a layout.
  • Thick Basic White card base

  • Angled Designer Series Paper panel

  • Old Olive rickrack ribbon to soften the seam

  • A simple “Hello Friend” sentiment

  • A fussy-cut ladybug straight from the DSP

It’s clean, quick, and perfect when you need a card now but still want it to feel special.

Tip: Cutting your DSP at an angle—without overthinking measurements—adds instant interest.


🌿 Card #2: Hello with a Whimsical Scene


This one might be my favorite (don’t tell the others).

Using the pre-printed scene panels from the DSP, you can build a little woodland moment in minutes:

  • Layered 3" x 4" panels for the background

  • Dimensionals to pop up the scene

  • Sweet stamped and colored bugs

  • Tiny epoxy ladybugs scattered for movement

This is a great example of letting paper do 90% of the work and then adding just a few stamped elements to bring it to life.


🐜 Card #3: Spread Joy (Playful & Dimensional)


This card leans fully into the whimsy—and I love it.
  • Layered Old Olive and DSP panels

  • Lily of the Valley stamped and softly colored

  • A marching line of ants (how cute is that?)

  • A bee watering the garden

  • A stitched “Spread Joy” sentiment popped up with dimension

It’s playful, dimensional, and still very achievable—even if detailed cards usually intimidate you.


💡 Why These Cards Work So Well

  • No complicated folds

  • Minimal coloring

  • Great layouts to mass-produce

  • Easy to adapt for different sentiments or occasions

If you’re easing back into crafting or just want something joyful and stress-free, this is a fantastic suite to have on your desk.


🌼 Want to Make These with Me?

All the measurements, supplies, and step-by-step instructions are available in this week’s tutorial. And if you love learning by watching, be sure to catch the replay of my Sunday Live where I walk through each card.

Have a favorite card from this set? I’d love to know—drop a comment below or save this post for later inspiration!

January 26, 2026

3 Simple & Beautiful Cards with the Lovely Arrangements Bundle

 Sometimes you just want to sit down, stamp, and not overthink it—and that’s exactly what today’s projects are all about.

This week on Stampin’ Sundays, I shared three simple but beautiful cards using the Lovely Arrangements Bundle and coordinating Designer Series Paper. These are the kind of cards that look polished and thoughtful without requiring hours at your craft table (or a ton of brainpower—because let’s be honest, some days we’re tapped out).

Let’s take a closer look at each one and why this bundle is such a winner.


Card #1: Sending Smiles (with Texture + Dimension)


This card is a great example of how designer paper can do the heavy lifting.

The floral panel was fussy cut from the Lovely Arrangements DSP (yes, I know how I feel about fussy cutting—but this one was totally worth it). Layered over a die-cut textured panel, it creates instant depth and interest without adding bulk.

Why I love this design:

  • The die-cut background adds subtle texture

  • Dimensionals give just enough lift

  • “Sending Smiles” works for so many occasions

This is a perfect “thinking of you,” encouragement, or happy mail card to keep on hand.


Card #2: Soft & Elegant Happy Birthday


If you love clean, calm, and classy, this one’s for you.

The Lovely Stripes embossing folder adds just the right amount of detail, while the soft ribbon and layered florals keep things light and elegant. This is one of those cards that feels special without being fussy.

Design highlights:

  • Embossed panel for texture

  • Soft ribbon detail (ties beautifully, even though it’s wider)

  • Simple floral stamping with coordinating dies

This layout would be easy to recreate in other colors for weddings, anniversaries, or sympathy cards too.


Card #3: Hello Friend (Scraps to the Rescue!)


This card might be my favorite because it’s scrap-friendly and fast.

The 2" x 2" DSP squares are turned on point and layered for a playful but modern look. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy techniques to make a card that feels intentional and finished.

Why this one works:

  • Great use of DSP scraps

  • Quick layout you can repeat again and again

  • Perfect everyday greeting card

If you’re trying to use what you already have, this design is gold.




Why the Lovely Arrangements Bundle Is So Versatile

This bundle checks all the boxes:

  • Florals that aren’t overly fussy

  • Sentiments that mix and match beautifully

  • Dies that add texture without overwhelming the design

And yes—a Class to Go featuring this bundle is coming very soon, created with my friend Cyndy. More details will be released this week, so keep an eye out if you’d like even more ideas using these products.


Want More Like This?

If you enjoy simple layouts, easy techniques, and cards that actually get mailed, make sure you’re on my email list so you don’t miss upcoming classes, tutorials, and specials.

👉 Join my mailing list here

Which card is your favorite this week—Sending Smiles, Happy Birthday, or Hello Friend?
Drop a comment and let me know!

January 12, 2026

Pop-Up Petals Made Easy: 3 Simple Cards with Big Impact

 If you’ve ever wanted to try an interactive card but thought, “That looks complicated,” today’s projects are about to change your mind.

This week on Stampin’ Sundays, I featured the Pop-Up Petals Bundle and paired it with the Lovely Blossoms Designer Series Paper—and let me tell you, this combo is a win. These three cards prove you can create beautiful, eye-catching cards without complicated steps or hours at your craft table.

One card includes a fun pop-up surprise on the inside, while the other two keep things intentionally simple and clean. Perfect for beginners, busy stampers, or anyone who just wants pretty cards without the stress.

Why the Pop-Up Petals Bundle Is Worth a Look

The star of this bundle is the clever pop-up die. It creates the mechanism for you—no measuring, no guessing, no frustration. Once you see how it works, you’ll immediately start thinking about all the other stamp sets you could use it with.

Even better? The stamps themselves are soft, versatile, and ideal for everyday cards like thank-you, friendship, and encouragement.

Let the Paper Do the Work

I paired the bundle with the Lovely Blossoms Designer Series Paper, and this paper pack deserves a moment in the spotlight.

One of my favorite features is the built-in panel designs. With a few simple cuts, you get:

  • 3" × 4" panels

  • 2" × 2" accent squares

  • Coordinated patterns that layer effortlessly

That means less cutting, less decision-making, and more time actually enjoying the creative process.

Card #1: Thanks for Being There (Pop-Up Fun!)


This card looks clean and simple on the outside—but when you open it, surprise! A sweet floral pop-up greets you.

The pop-up die does all the hard work, creating a sturdy fold that pops up smoothly every time. Add a stamped vase and floral image, and you’ve got an interactive card that feels special without being complicated.

💡 Tip: Once you own this die, try it with other florals, animals, or even seasonal images. It’s far more versatile than it looks.

Card #2: You Get Me & I Appreciate That

This one is my easy-peasy queen card.

Designer Series Paper takes center stage here, layered over a simple cardstock mat. The sentiment is die-cut with a soft arch shape and popped up with dimensionals for just enough interest.

This layout is perfect when:

  • You’re short on time

  • You need multiples

  • You want something clean, modern, and heartfelt

Card #3: Grateful for Your Friendship


For this final card, I mixed two of the DSP panels together to create a layered background—proof that even the smallest pieces of paper can shine.

A stamped vase, simple floral coloring, and a sweet butterfly finish it off. Nothing fussy. Nothing overdone. Just a warm, thoughtful card that works for so many occasions.

Great for Beginners (and Busy Stampers!)

If you’re newer to stamping or feeling creatively tired, these projects are a great reminder that cards don’t have to be complicated to be beautiful.

  • Simple layouts

  • Minimal coloring

  • Smart dies that do the work for you

That’s a crafting win in my book.

Want the Full Tutorial?

I’ve put together a step-by-step PDF tutorial with measurements, supply lists, and instructions for all three cards.

👉 Make sure you’re on my mailing list so you don’t miss it:
Join here:

As always, I’d love to hear which card is your favorite—drop a comment, save this idea, or try one yourself and tag me. I can’t wait to see what you create!


Product List

December 14, 2025

3 Simple & Beautiful Cards Using the 12 Days of Crafting Advent Calendar

When Simple Is Exactly What You Need

Let’s be honest — this time of year gets busy. Between work, family, weather, and the never-ending to-do list, finding time to sit down and actually enjoy crafting can feel like a stretch. That’s why this week’s projects are all about keeping things simple, beautiful, and stress-free.

Using supplies from the 12 Days of Crafting Advent Calendar, I created three handmade cards that come together quickly but still feel thoughtful and polished. These are the kinds of cards you can make in an evening, during a quick creative break, or even last-minute without panic crafting kicking in.

If you’ve been feeling a little overwhelmed or short on time, these designs are proof that simple doesn’t mean boring.

Why the 12 Days of Crafting Advent Calendar Works So Well

One of my favorite things about this Advent Calendar is that the coordination is already done for you. The papers, colors, embellishments, and textures all work together, which means:

  • Less decision fatigue

  • Faster card assembly

  • More confidence while creating

When supplies are designed to play nicely together, you can focus on layout and layering — not second-guessing every choice.


Card #1: Sweet Birthday Wishes

This first card is soft, cheerful, and perfect for birthdays of all ages. The patterned paper does most of the heavy lifting here, which makes this design ideal when you want something pretty without a lot of steps.

Why it works:

  • Large DSP panel creates instant impact

  • A simple sentiment label keeps it clean

  • A small focal image adds charm without clutter

This is a great layout to keep in your back pocket because you can swap the sentiment and use it for almost any occasion.


Card #2: Love You With Texture


The second card steps things up just a bit by adding texture — and texture is one of the easiest ways to make a simple card feel extra special.

Why it works:

  • Embossed panel adds dimension fast

  • Layered focal elements keep the design balanced

  • Neutral tones make it versatile for many occasions

If you ever feel like your cards are “missing something,” try adding texture before adding more layers. It makes a bigger difference than you think.


Card #3: For Someone Extra Special


This card is my favorite example of simple layering done right. Clean lines, coordinated colors, and just enough embellishment to draw the eye without overwhelming the design.

Why it works:

  • Horizontal layering creates visual interest

  • A bold focal image anchors the card

  • Sentiment placement feels intentional and elegant

This design is perfect for happy mail, encouragement cards, or anytime you want to let someone know they matter.




Tips for Making These Designs Even Faster

If you’re short on time (or patience 😄), here are a few ways to speed things up:

  • Cut multiple card bases at once

  • Pre-cut DSP panels for a mini card batch

  • Stamp sentiments in advance

  • Keep embellishments limited to 2–3 per card

Remember — finished is better than perfect.


Final Thoughts

These cards are a great reminder that you don’t need complicated techniques or hours of time to create something beautiful. With the right supplies and a simple plan, crafting can feel relaxing again — not like another item on your to-do list.

If you give any of these layouts a try, I’d love to see them! Leave a comment, save this post for later, or reach out if you want help picking supplies or adapting the designs to what you already have on hand.

Happy crafting 💙


November 16, 2025

3 Easy Christmas Cards with the Jolly Delivery Bundle (Perfect for Pet Lovers!)

 

If you're anything like me, once mid-November hits, the crafting switch flips on and suddenly we’re knee-deep in cardstock, adhesives, and Christmas DSP. This week’s projects are all about keeping things simple, cute, and stress-free — because let’s be honest, the holiday craziness is already coming at us fast enough.

Today I’m sharing three easy Christmas cards featuring the Jolly Delivery Bundle from Stampin’ Up! These cards are adorable, beginner-friendly, and packed with charm… especially if you’re a pet lover like me. Dogs, mailboxes, Christmas packages — it’s all here.

Let’s dive in.


🎄 Card 1: “Merry Christmas and Happy Wishes”

This first card is pure holiday coziness. I paired Poppy Parade, Garden Green, and that adorable mailbox-waiting pup for a classic Christmas look with a playful twist.

What makes this card work:

  • The stitched circle keeps the scene clean and centered.

  • Layered DSP adds texture without overwhelming.

  • That tiny trail of paw prints inside the card? It seals the deal.

Tip:
If you’re using the Jolly Delivery stamps, Pecan Pie Stampin’ Blends give the dog a warm, natural look. Add a pop of Poppy Parade to his scarf to tie in the card base.


📮 Card 2: “Special Delivery”

This card may be simple, but it packs a punch thanks to the three-panel layout. It’s crisp, graphic, and the perfect way to let Stampin' Up!’s gorgeous DSP do the heavy lifting.

And the star?
Our little daschund in his red sweater marching across the front, mail in his mouth like he's on a mission.

Why this layout is a win:

  • Narrow strips of DSP stretch your paper farther.

  • The large stitched square creates an easy focal point.

  • Using the coordinating dies to cut images directly from the DSP saves time. No coloring required!

Tip:
Keep a sheet of mini dimensionals handy — they’re perfect for small die-cut critters.


❄️ Card 3: “From the North Pole”

This last one steps away from the traditional red-and-green Christmas palette and leans into Pool Party, White, and pops of Poppy Parade. The soft cool tones feel fresh and wintry.

I used the pre-cut pop-outs from the DSP (love when Stampin’ Up! does this!) — the cute little storefront and an envelope — and layered them over three soft polka-dot squares.

What makes this one fun:

  • No stamping for the images — everything is pre-cut.

  • Equal-sized squares make layout placement easy.

  • Works with ANY leftover DSP bits you have lying around.

Tip:
Change the sentiment and you've got a perfect winter birthday, thank you, or happy mail card.


✨ Final Thoughts

The Jolly Delivery Bundle is honestly way more versatile than I expected. Between the stamps, dies, laser-cut pieces, and coordinating DSP, you can mix-and-match your way through an entire stack of Christmas cards — and still feel inspired.

Whether you're into coloring, die-cutting, or keeping things quick with pop-outs, this suite makes it easy.

If you recreate these cards, I’d love to see them! Leave a comment below or tag me on Facebook or Instagram so I can cheer you on. Grab the tutorials below

Happy crafting, my friend — and may your mailbox be full of only pretty mail this season. 💌



September 28, 2025

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.


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.


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.


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.


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.




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!


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!


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! 🎄

September 21, 2025

Cozy Fall Cardmaking with the Amber Autumn Bundle

 Fall is finally here, and with it comes all the warm colors, cozy textures, and seasonal inspiration we crave in the craft room. This week, I had the absolute joy of working with Stampin’ Up!’s Amber Autumn Bundle, and let me tell you—this suite is a showstopper. Between the earthy tones, metallic accents, and timeless fall imagery, it’s everything you need to make heartfelt, seasonal cards.

Whether you’re a seasoned stamper or just dipping your toes into cardmaking, these projects are quick, simple, and oh-so-elegant. Grab a cozy drink, pull up a chair, and let’s dive in!


🍂 Autumn Wishes with Rich Layers



The first card we created featured a Gray Granite card base paired with the Autumn Twall Designer Series Paper. The earthy patterns—complete with woodland critters and rustic textures—make the perfect backdrop.

The sentiment “Autumn Wishes” was stamped in Early Espresso ink on a stitched circle, then accented with hand-colored acorns and leaves. A few streaked dots were the final touch, adding a subtle bit of shine.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to use up those small leftover DSP strips on the inside of your cards. It ties everything together beautifully!


🌾 Blessed to Have You in My Life



The second card kept things wonderfully simple and showcased the softer, vintage look of the suite. Using a Very Vanilla card base and coordinating DSP, I added the heartfelt sentiment “Blessed to have you in my life.”

Layering Early Espresso cardstock behind the designer paper gave it just enough contrast, while a touch of linen thread added texture. It’s a reminder that sometimes less really is more.

Memory Moment: As I worked with this paper, I was instantly transported back to my great aunt and uncle’s 70s wallpaper—it had the same vintage toile look. Isn’t it funny how paper can spark memories?


🎃 Thanks with Pumpkins and Shine



The last design highlighted the Earthen Toned Metallics—a deep chocolate shimmer that’s even more stunning in person. Paired with richly colored pumpkins, squash, and corn (thank you Stampin’ Blends!), this card sparkled with fall abundance.

The metallic die-cut background gave an elegant frame for the focal image, while the sentiment “Thanks” finished it off with warmth and gratitude.

Coloring Tip: Speed up your process by prepping extras. I colored one full image during prep so I didn’t have to make you sit through it on video—and it’s a great trick to batch-stamp and color multiple images at once!




✨ More Cozy Inspiration

This season is full of crafting opportunities:

  • 🎄 The October Paper Pumpkin Kit—“Cozy Christmas”—will create 9 festive cards with coordinating envelopes.

  • 🎁 A brand-new Advent Calendar Kit drops September 23rd (don’t wait, these will sell out fast!).

  • ✂️ World Card Making Day is October 4th, and Stampin’ Up! will host a craft-along with a special kit.

And don’t forget—I’ve created the Card Design Genie to help you design layouts, fun folds, and color combos in seconds. It’s free to use, and you can find it right on my blog.


Wrapping It Up

The Amber Autumn Bundle truly captures the magic of the season—rich colors, rustic textures, and heartwarming sentiments that make your handmade cards extra special. Whether you’re sending autumn wishes, a note of thanks, or simply letting someone know you’re blessed to have them, this suite makes it easy to create something meaningful.

💌 I’d love to know: Which of the three cards was your favorite? Drop a comment, save this post for inspiration, or hop over to my shop to grab your own Amber Autumn Bundle before it’s gone.

Happy crafting, my friends!

July 17, 2025

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.


💌 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.


✍️ 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.


🖋️ 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.


💡 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.


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 

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