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! 🎄

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!

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🍂 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!

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🌾 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?

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🎃 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!

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✨ 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.

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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!

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.

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💌 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.

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✍️ 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.

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🖋️ 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.

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💡 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.

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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 

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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Spooky Cat Pizza Box

Hello and Happy Tuesday! I know, this week is off to a bumpy start and well today won't be any different. Let's just say, I am soooo grateful for my crafty friends and the solace of my craft room because my real job is testing my strength and resilience. Now don't get me wrong, I love my real job of Clinical Informatics; however, whenever there is an implementation of brand new systems....you can rest assured there is going to be something you discover that doesn't work as it should and it doesn't matter how much testing you did before go-live...well today is the day. We go live with our brand new Emergency Room documentation system...so fingers crossed all goes well and those things you know are going to go wrong aren't anything too difficult to overcome....Is it too late to go back to bed? Ok, well enough about all that.
Today, I have a cute little treat box for you using the new stamp set, Spooky Cat that goes live Friday! Anyone else doing the happy dance? I know that I am. Anyway, I used the coordinating DSP, Spooky Night and stamped the cute little owl onto the tree branch over the moon and cut it into a 3" square. I layered it onto a piece of Basic Black cardstock cut 3.25" square and adhered it to the pizza box top.To complete it, I took a strand of the mini black sequins and added to the top with a glue dot and then tied a bow using the beautiful black crochet trim and added that also with a glue dot. I then stamped the Happy Halloween in Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock cut .5" x 3" and bannered one end and slipped it under the crochet trim with a glue dot.

I thought this came out so cute and it was really easy to make.. It would make a great treat box for the small packages of candy corn or a few small snack size Hershey bars. Let me know what you think in the comments below. Now, I have just one other question...is it just me, or does anyone else think of Phoebe on the '90's show Friends and her song, "Smelly Cat" every time you say Spooky Cat? Please tell me I'm not alone here!
And don't forget, today is Tuesday for Tips! Here is a quick video on how to clean and keep clean your Stampin' Scrub.

 I hope you find this helpful.
Happy Stamping,

Product List

Spooky Cat Photopolymer Stamp Set

[144749]

$17.00

Spooky Night Designer Series Paper

[144610]

$11.00

Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

[121045]

$8.00

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

[132708]

$6.00

Mini Pizza Boxes

[144645]

$6.00

Vintage Crochet Trim

[144611]

$6.00

Black Mini Sequin Trim

[144259]

$6.00

Glue Dots

[103683]

$5.25

Fast Fuse Adhesive

[129026]

$10.00

Out With The Old and In With The New

Wow, can you believe it, today is the final day to place orders from the 2015-2016 annual catalog and the Occasions catalogs! Tomorrow morning the new and oh so fantastic new 2016-2017 annual catalog goes live! Trust me when I tell you, I can barely contain my excitement! This catalog goes way beyond fantastic! However, if there is anything on the retirement list that you really want, today's your last chance. Lots has sold out, but there is still a lot of great things left so feel free to check it out before it's gone forever in less than 24 hours!

Ok, now for today's card. I can finally share it with you. I had to keep it under wraps until after I gave it to my dad for his birthday and I didn't want him to stop by here and see it before he received it, so now it's in his hot hands and now I can share it with all of you. This comes from my oh so favorite new set, Swirly Bird stamp set! I can not believe how versatile this stamp set is and of course I adore the coordinating Thinlits as well....waves are compliments of the Thinlits!

 

The sentiment comes from the stamp set Thoughtful Banners. I totally love this set as well because you create sooo many sentiments, its almost endless the combination of words you can put together to create just the right sentiment. The colors I used are Mint Macaron, Night of Navy and for the "sun" Delightful Dijon, the boat is Tip Top Taupe and the flag is Real Red. I hope you enjoy this card, I think dad did. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. I hope you all have a great day and happy stamping.

Katrina

More Swirly Scribbles

Happy Saturday! Wow, is it me or did this week just zoom by? I didn't even get to collect my $200! I'm sure I passed "go" somewhere along the way. Anyway, today I will be manning a huge 3 family garage sale, actually, all weekend. I think my house lost several hundred pounds from this little clean out. Doesn't it feel great when you get organized? I'm making my way into the world of organization, it just happens to be a process. 

Ok, so, here is another card project using the Swirly Scribble Thinlits. LOVE this set. I have a few more ideas to share with you using this bundle, but here is today's:

 

 

Here I attached a flirty Flamingo piece 4 x 5.25" to a standard Whisper White card base. I then stamped a Whisper White piece 3.25"x 5" with the Hardwoods background stamp with Basic Gray archival ink and cut out 1 each of the Scribble Thinlits from Peek-a-boo Peach, Flirty Flamingo and Sweet Sugarplum. I adhered them using the Fine Tip glue and the Sentiment, which comes from the new Confetti Celebration stamp set, I stamped in Basic Gray onto a piece of Whisper White and bannered the end using the Triple Banner punch...another must have. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. I look forward to hearing from you! 

Have a great day and happy stamping,

Katrina

Keep That Old Eyeshadow!

Hello again, well I'm so excited! My pre-order from the new catalog is finally on its way! It finally shipped this afternoon and should be here next Thursday....I made a mistake and did not adjust my shipping to express insert sad sad face! So, now I must practice impatiently being patient lol. 

Anyway, today I want to show you a card that I did using some old eyeshadow I had laying around. That's right, I said eyeshadow! So, while doing your Spring cleaning, should you come across any old eyeshadow, rather than throw it out, haul it off to your craft room!

 

To accomplish this technique, you will need an embossing pigment ink like Versamark, a stamp of choice (I used the Swallowtail by Stampin' Up! Which happens to be on the retirement list) some eyeshadow and either sponges or a brush to apply the shadow. (Cotton swabs will also work)

To begin, ink up the stamp and stamp the image onto your cardstock. Then begin applying the eyeshadow by brushing or sponging the color over the stamped image. Once you've applied all of the color and you are happy with your coverage, take a clean facial tissue and rub the image to remove any losse eyeshadow powder. This also seems to help the color adhere better to the ink. In this example, I stamped the Best mother ever verse from the Stampin' Up! set And Many More using Versamark ink and heat embossing with white embossing powder onto Basic Black cardstock scrap, bannered the end using the retiring Banner punch and adhered it using glue dots. 

I hope you enjoyed today's project and if you have any questions please ask. In the meantime, share with me in the comments below which stamp set or tool you are most sad to see go that is on the retirement list?

Have a great day and happy stamping!

Katrina