Katrina's Kreative Heart: paper crafting

Showing posts with label paper crafting. Show all posts

March 30, 2026

3 Quick & Easy Cards with the Scalloped Wishes Bundle (Including 2 Fun Folds!)

If you’ve ever sat down to make a card and thought, “I want something pretty… but I don’t want to overthink it,” this one’s for you.

This week during Stampin’ Sunday, I pulled out the Scalloped Wishes Bundle and created three cards that are simple, beautiful, and just a little extra special—without being complicated. And yes… two of them are fun folds that look fancy but come together way easier than you’d expect.

Let’s break it down 👇

Why the Scalloped Wishes Bundle is a Must-Have

I’ll be honest—I’ve used the dies from this bundle a lot already, but this week I really leaned into the stamps too… and WOW.

What makes this bundle so good:

The scalloped shapes instantly add elegance
The sentiments are versatile (graduation, encouragement, everyday cards)
It pairs beautifully with soft color palettes AND bold DSP

If you’re someone who wants your cards to look polished without a ton of effort… this is one of those “grab it again and again” bundles.

Card #1: Simple Fun Fold with a Big Impact

This first card is one of those designs that looks impressive but is actually super beginner-friendly.

Why it works:

Clean layout with layered DSP
A soft color combo (Balmy Blue + Secret Sea)
That delicate dragonfly detail with vellum wings 😍

The trick here is keeping all your adhesive on just one panel so the fold still works. That’s it.

👉 This is a perfect “confidence builder” card if you’ve never tried a fun fold before.

Card #2: Easy Diamond Fold (Perfect for Special Occasions)

Okay… this one might be my favorite.

It’s a diamond fold card, but don’t let that scare you—it’s basically a couple score lines and two angled cuts.

What makes it special:

The angled front creates that wow factor
Dragonflies + cattails give it a soft, nature-inspired feel
A little Wink of Stella adds just enough sparkle

This one is ideal for:

Graduations
Celebrations
“Something a little extra” moments

And bonus—you can totally switch the sentiment and use this layout for just about anything.

Card #3: Classic & Pretty (Because Simple Still Matters)

We wrapped up with a good old classic card—and honestly, don’t sleep on these.

Color combo: Bubble Bath + Strawberry Slush + Old Olive
Vibe: Soft, feminine, and clean

The scalloped oval frame does all the heavy lifting here. Add a few die-cut flowers and pearls, and you’re done.

👉 This is the kind of card you can batch make in multiples when you need something quick but still beautiful.

Paper & Products That Made These Shine

This week I used the Mixed Up Patterns Designer Series Paper, and it really carried these designs.

You’ve got:

Florals
Tone-on-tone patterns
Soft textures
Bold accents

It’s one of those packs where every piece just works—no overthinking required.

Don’t Miss This Month’s Paper Pumpkin

Quick heads up—April’s Paper Pumpkin kit “Lakeside Retreat” is open for subscription through April 10.

Masculine-themed (finally 🙌)
Coordinates with an upcoming suite
Makes 9 cards (3 designs)

If you struggle with cards for the men in your life… this is a good one to grab.

Want to Make These Cards Yourself?

I’ve got you covered.

👉 Full step-by-step instructions + measurements are available in my PDF
👉

No pausing replays. No guessing measurements. Just print and create.

Final Thoughts (and a Little Encouragement 💕)

If you’ve been feeling like you don’t have time… or you’re not “creative enough”… I want you to try one of these.

Start simple. Start messy. Just start.

Because the truth is—these little creative moments?
They matter more than we give them credit for.

👉 Tell me in the comments:
Which card is your favorite—the fun fold or the classic?

And if you make one, save this post so you can come back to it later!

Product List

Scalloped Wishes Bundle (English) [167453] $43.00	Scalloped Wishes Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [167447] $20.00	Scalloped Wishes Dies [167452] $28.00	Three Banner Punch [167050] $26.00
Balmy Blue 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146982] $14.00	Strawberry Slush 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [165625] $14.00	Bubble Bath 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [161718] $14.00	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [166780] $14.00
Old Olive 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [100702] $14.00	Secret Sea 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [165624] $14.00	Vellum 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Paper [167099] $10.00	Mixed Up Patterns 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Mix In Designer Series Paper [166992] $12.50
Secret Sea Classic Stampin' Pad [165285] $9.00	Strawberry Slush Classic Stampin' Pad [165286] $9.00	Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad [147090] $9.00	Stampin’ Blends Medium Deep Combo [159461] $11.00
Rhinestone Basic Jewels [144220] $6.00	2025–2027 In Color™ Flat Pearls [165192] $8.50

Add All to Cart

January 19, 2026

Quick & Easy Valentine Cards Using Love Notes DSP (No Stamps, No Ink!)

When You Want to Craft… But Not Think

Some weeks you want to create, not problem-solve. No complicated layouts. No ink blending. No “what sentiment do I even use?” moments.

This week’s Stampin’ Sunday projects are exactly that kind of crafting — quick, easy Valentine cards made almost entirely from paper. No stamps. No ink. Minimal supplies. Maximum cute.

If you’re short on time, energy, or creative brainpower, these cards are your new best friend.

The Star of the Show: Love Notes Designer Series Paper

The Love Notes 6" x 6" Designer Series Paper does all the heavy lifting here. Each sheet is double-sided with pre-designed sentiments, icons, and patterns that are ready to cut and go.

Why I love this pack:

Sentiments already printed (yes please)
Coordinating designs front and back
Perfect for mass-producing cards
Works for Valentine’s and everyday encouragement

Bonus: You get eight sheets of each design, so you can make a lot without running out fast.

Card #1: Be My Valentine

This card is a simple layered layout that lets the paper shine.

Why it works:

Full DSP coverage = no thinking
Offset panels add interest without effort
A popped-up sentiment gives instant dimension

Pro tip: Use any leftover strips on the inside of the card so nothing goes to waste.

Card #2: Happy Valentine’s Day

This design uses two 3" x 3" DSP squares layered at an angle for a modern look.

What makes it special:

Intersecting layers create movement
A vellum banner softens the sentiment
Rhinestones add just enough sparkle

If you wanted to change this up, swap the card base to Azure Afternoon for a bold color pop.

Card #3: Sending Hugs

This one might be my favorite — and it’s not just for Valentine’s Day.

Why this design is so versatile:

Works for encouragement, thinking-of-you, or sympathy
Tall sentiment panel draws the eye
Vellum layer adds softness without bulk

Honestly, “Sending Hugs” is a year-round card. We all need one of those on hand.

Bonus Card: You’re Amazing

Because sometimes the back side of the paper is just too good not to use.

This bonus card proves:

Valentine paper doesn’t have to be Valentine-only
Encouragement cards are always appreciated
Simple layouts let sentiments shine

Why These Cards Are Perfect for Busy Women

These projects are ideal if:

You’re new to cardmaking
You want fast results
You need multiple cards quickly
You don’t want to buy a ton of supplies

All you really need:

Love Notes DSP
Cardstock
Trimmer
Adhesive
A little bling ✨

That’s it.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been feeling creatively stuck or overwhelmed, this is your permission slip to keep it simple. Let the paper do the work. Enjoy the process. And actually finish your cards.

💬 Tell me in the comments: Which card was your favorite — or are you Team “Bonus Card"?

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 💙

March 9, 2025

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

March 7, 2025

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

July 24, 2018

Hello and Happy Tuesday! I hope you're all having a fantastic start to your week. I know I've been a bit crazed the last few days, planning and prepping for my monthly card class tomorrow while keeping up with hubby while he was off for a long 3 day weekend. I love him to pieces but boy, he makes it hard to get stuff done! Anyone else with that issue?

Anyhoo, I have a really cute project to share with you. It's an adorable mini gift bag created with 2 pieces of designer series paper, and if you want to see how I do it, join me this evening at 7 PM EST on my Facebook page for a FB Live where I will walk you step by step on how to create these adorable little gift bags. They are perfect for presenting a piece of jewelry, small embellishments and any other small gift. Seriously, they are just adorable.

What you need:
2 pieces of Designer Series Paper measuring (DSP) 6" x 6"
A strong adhesive (I recommend Tear n Tape)
A scoring tool (either the Stampin' Trimmer with scoring blade or the Stampin' Score Tool)

Score both pieces of DSP at 1.5"; 1.5"; 1.5"; and 0.75" so that is 3 sides at 1.5" and 1 side 0.75". Fold on all of the score lines and adhere the 0.75" score line down so that you see the contrasting side of the paper. Then, using your paper snips, cut up on the score lines below the folded edge up to the parallel score line; add adhesive to the tabs you created and adhere to the inside of the larger tab, this will create the bag bottom. Now repeat for the second piece of DSP. Add adhesive to the outside of the sides on one of the 1/2 bags you've created. Slip this one inside the other and adhere the 2 parts together, creating a bag. Then decorate as you wish. In this case, I added a button and Linen Thread with a mini Glue Dot.

That completes our project for today, but remember, if you would like to watch me demo this project, stop by my Facebook page for the Live Demo with me, Katrina from Katrina's Kreative Heart at www.facebook.com/katrinaskreativeheart

Happy Stamping,

August 19, 2017

Painted Harvest - A Sneak Peak into the 2017 Holiday Catalog

Hi there and happy Saturday! I have to tell you, I am so in love with this 2017 Holiday catalog! Once again, the Stampin' Up! designers have gone and done it again! They have out done themselves; just when you think it's impossible they pull it off! And this Painted Harvest stamp set and Painted Autumn Designer Series paper is just the tip of the iceberg. If you would like to see a sampling and you missed my Facebook live, then head on over and check it out...so much awesomeness to see over there on that video and while you're there, please take a second to like my page. I would really appreciate it a great deal.

Anyway, here is today's card I made using the Painted Harvest stamp set. This is just an awesome set with a really pretty watercolor effect when you do the layering 2-step stamping.

Instructions:

Begin with a standard card base 8.5" x 5.5" of Very Vanilla scored and folded at 4.25". Cut a piece of the DSP 2" x 5.5" and adhere to the left side of the card front. Stamp the first layer of the sunflower in Peekaboo Peach ink and the second more detailed stamp in Tangerine Tango. Cut this layer with the largest square in the Stitched Shapes Framelits collection. Layer this onto a piece of Early Espresso cut with the 2nd largest scalloped square in the Layering Squares Framelits collection and adhere to the card front. Stamp the sentiment onto a scrap piece of Tangerine Tango with Early Espresso ink and cut this out with the 2nd to the smallest oval in the Stitched Shapes Framelits collection and adhere it to the bottom right of the card front using Stampin' Dimensionals.

I hope you enjoyed today's card and it gets you thinking about what you can do with this set when you can get your hands on it. The holiday catalog items will be available for customers beginning September 1st. Please let me know your thoughts on the card in the comments below and don't forget, if you earned any coupons in July, you need to use them up this month and if you place an order, be sure to use the August hostess code found on the right hand side of the screen. And, we also have a really awesome deal on Paper Pumpkin this month, it you have never tried it, now is the time, if you sign up before September 10th, you will receive the September kit for 50% off! I guess that covers it for now. Have a great weekend!
And I wish you all Happy Stamping!