October 26, 2025

Adorable Holiday Cards with the Long Time No See Stamp Set

 Can you believe we’re already heading into November? The holidays are barreling toward us, and if you’re anything like me, you’re knee-deep in Christmas card season! This week on Stampin’ Sundays with Katrina, we got cozy with the Long Time No See stamp set—a whimsical collection that features the most adorable dachshund and llama. These little cuties are perfect for cheerful Christmas cards, winter birthdays, or just-because notes to warm someone’s day.


🐾 Stretching Out the Fun: Long Dachshund Z-Fold Card



Our first card was a playful Z-fold design that let our little dachshund stretch allll the way across the panels. Using Pecan Pie, Old Olive, and Cherry Cobbler Stampin’ Blends, I brought this pup to life in a cozy Christmas sweater.
To pull the look together, I layered Traditions of St. Nick Designer Series Paper in festive reds and greens and added a few Traditional Sparkle Sequins for that perfect touch of holiday shimmer.
💡 Pro tip: The “Take Your Pick” tool is a must-have for handling those tiny sequins—add it to your holiday wish list if you don’t already have one!


🦙 Llama Love: A Sweet and Simple Christmas Card



Next up was our charming llama card, and I have to admit—I think he might be my favorite! I stamped him in Memento Black Ink, added a cozy scarf in Cherry Cobbler and Azure Afternoon, and gave him just a hint of blush with Flirty Flamingo.
The background layers feature more of that Traditions of St. Nick DSP, perfectly framing our festive friend. A quick snip of paper for a hand-cut “Merry Christmas” sentiment gives it a homespun, heartfelt look.


🎁 Quick Gift Card Holder (from an Envelope!)



If you’re gifting gift cards this season (and who isn’t?), this final project is for you! All you need is a standard envelope—just fold it in half and trim one side to create an instant pocket. I wrapped it in Cherry Cobbler & Gold Satin Ribbon, stamped our sweet dachshund again, and added a sentiment in Old Olive.
It’s elegant, easy, and perfect for teachers, coworkers, or anyone who appreciates a handmade touch with their gift card.




✂️ Bonus Crafty News

  • November Paper Pumpkin: “Wrapped in Cheer” – Create eight festive goodie boxes with coordinating tags and red dot embellishments. Don’t forget to grab the Abundant Joy Dies add-on while supplies last!

  • Join Stampin’ Up! – Through the end of October, you can pick $125 in products for just $35 (or $189 for $99!) and enjoy 20% off future orders. No obligations—just creative fun and savings.

  • 12 Days of Crafting Advent Calendar – My spoiler-alert videos are wrapping up this week. If you love surprises (or just want to see what’s inside), check out the full reveal on my Facebook page.


💬 Wrapping It Up

I hope these projects inspire you to start (or continue!) your holiday cardmaking. The Long Time No See stamp set is an instant mood-booster—perfect for spreading smiles this season.
If you enjoyed these ideas, let me know in the comments below! Which project was your favorite—the long dog, the llama, or the envelope gift card holder?

👉 Save this post for your next crafting session or subscribe to my weekly newsletter for more tutorials, product updates, and creative inspiration!


Product List

October 19, 2025

🌲 Delicate Pines Christmas Cards — Cozy Snowflakes & Pine Bough Holiday Inspiration

 

A Touch of Winter Magic

There’s something about snowflakes and pine boughs that makes my heart happy this time of year. The Delicate Pines Bundle from Stampin’ Up! captures that cozy winter magic perfectly — a blend of nature’s beauty and festive elegance that feels like stepping into a peaceful snowy morning. In this week’s Stampin’ Sunday Live, I shared three cards featuring this gorgeous bundle, all showcasing the stunning Delicate Pines Designer Series Paper and coordinating stamps and dies.


1. Layers of Pine & Snowflakes



Our first card layers up textured snowflakes in Pretty Peacock, Shaded Spruce, and Old Olive, creating a dimensional flurry that practically sparkles off the page. I paired it with a strip of frosty patterned paper — it reminds me of that delicate frost that forms on your windshield on a cold morning. A few faceted snowflake embellishments added just the right amount of shimmer to finish it off.

Tip: When working with detailed dies like these, keep your adhesive light — a dot or two of liquid glue will hold beautifully without making a mess.


2. Warmest Winter Wishes Wreath



For the second card, I softened the look with a garden green ribbon trimmed in gold (also part of the suite!) and created a sweet stamped wreath using pine sprigs and pinecones. A light pencil circle helped guide the wreath shape, and a few cherry cobbler embellishments gave it that classic Christmas feel.

This one feels like a cozy cabin Christmas — the kind where you can smell the pine and cinnamon in the air.

Try This: Use your dies as templates! The inside edge of a circle die makes the perfect light pencil guide for stamping wreaths.


3. Celebrate the Season



Our final design might be my favorite — a simple, elegant layout featuring layered snowflakes on a dark, moody background of pine and berries. The sentiment “Celebrate the Season” adds a timeless touch that works beautifully for Christmas or winter greetings. I love how the crisp Basic White border makes those deep greens and blues pop!

Design Tip: A touch of Shaded Spruce behind patterned paper really brings out those winter greens without overwhelming your design.




Suite Highlights

The Delicate Pines Bundle includes a photopolymer stamp set and coordinating dies that make layering and dimension a breeze. The Elegant Pines Snowflakes DSP (Designer Series Paper) features rich shades of Pretty Peacock, Shaded Spruce, Old Olive, Secret Sea, and hints of Cherry Cobbler — perfect for winter crafting.

Whether you prefer rustic wreaths or glimmering snowflakes, this suite has everything you need to create holiday cards that feel both elegant and heartfelt.


Wrap-Up

These cards were such a joy to make — each one a reminder of why I love this season so much. The textures, the sparkle, the rich colors… it all comes together to make something truly special.

What do you think — are you Team Snowflake or Team Pinecone? Drop me a comment below or share your favorite in my Katrina’s Kreative Heart VIP Group on Facebook. I’d love to see what you create with this stunning bundle!

Product List

October 12, 2025

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.


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



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

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.


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.


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.






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.


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!

October 5, 2025

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!


🎁 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.


🧝‍♂️ 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.


☃️ 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.


🎅 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.




✨ 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.


💌 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

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!

09 10 Code line 7 9 is for loading jQuery library. Remove this line if you’ve already loaded it somewhere else in your blog. Hint: If your blog has an image slider, carousel or something with fading effect running, chances are it is powered by jQuery. If this widget doesn’t work, the first thing you want to do is comment out or remove this line. To use your own button, replace the URL in line 3 with the direct link URL to the image. Make sure to keep the quotes. To reposition the button, replace