Three Easy Background Techniques Using Prairie Grass by Stampin' Up!

 

Hello, crafty friends!

Can you believe we’re already sliding into July and the third quarter of 2025? Time is flying, but don’t worry—we’re using that momentum to fuel some creative playtime with a brand-new online exclusive: Prairie Grass.

This stamp set is beautifully simple, with classic silhouette-style grasses and heartfelt sentiments that make it perfect for thinking-of-you and sympathy cards. In this week’s Live, I showcased three easy card designs, each featuring a different background technique that you can totally recreate at home.

Let’s recap what we made:

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🌅 Card #1: Masking & Ink Blending

We used torn cardstock as a mask and blended Darling Duckling, Timid Tiger, and Old Olive to create a soft “prairie pasture” effect. The grasses were stamped in Secret C ink for a bold contrast. This one turned out to be a lovely sympathy card accented with the new In Color Flat Pearls.

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🎨 Card #2: Color Blocking with Acrylic Blocks

For this one, we stamped directly with our acrylic blocks! With Pretty in Pink, Petunia Pop, and Peach Pie, we created bold color blocks spritzed with water. Once dry, we stamped the large grass silhouette right over the top—simple, unique, and totally flat for easy mailing.

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🍷 Card #3: Alcohol Ink on Acetate

The final card was a little messy but so much fun! Using acetate recycled from a stamp set, we scribbled Stampin’ Blends in Melon Mambo, Calypso Coral, and Darling Duckling, then dripped 91% isopropyl alcohol to create dreamy blends and blooms. Once dry, we flipped it over and stamped a silhouette and sentiment. Every background turns out different—and that’s the magic of this technique!

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Don’t Miss:

• The July Paper Pumpkin Kit: Sweeter With You – featuring sun-kissed strawberries and gingham charm. Subscribe now!

• Buy One, Get One 50% Off Suites Sale – Don’t let your embellishments be the only thing getting the discount! Plan your cart wisely.

• New Online Exclusives dropping in July—including Prairie Grass! Check the website for updates.

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Grab Your Free Downloads

Full instructions and measurements for all three cards in downloadable PDF project sheets. Grab them right here: 

Ink Blended Sympathy

Ink Blocking

Alcohol Ink Background

Thanks for spending your Sunday with me. I appreciate you more than you know. Let’s keep crafting and connecting—see you next week!

Crafty hugs,
💛 Katrina

🖋️ Ink Types 101: Know Your Basics

Understanding the types of ink is the first step toward crafting success. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. Dye Ink:

• Fast-drying and water-based, perfect for everyday stamping.

• Absorbs quickly into cardstock, so it won’t smear.

• Great for layering and creating crisp images.

2. Pigment Ink:

• Slower drying and richer in color.

• Sits on top of the paper, making it perfect for heat embossing.

• Ideal for darker or textured papers.

3. Hybrid Ink:

• A combo of dye and pigment, great all-purpose choice.

• Works for both stamping and watercolor techniques.

4. Solvent Ink (like StazOn):

• Permanent and quick-drying on non-porous surfaces (think acetate or vellum).

• Not recommended for use with alcohol markers.

5. Distress & Water-Reactive Inks:

• Designed for blending, watercoloring, and mixed media.

• React beautifully with water for textured effects.

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🎨 How to Pick the Right Ink for the Job

When you're planning your project, ask yourself these questions:

• Will I be coloring in my stamped image? If yes, use a waterproof ink like Memento Tuxedo Black with alcohol markers or StazOn with water-based mediums.

• Do I want to heat emboss? Then choose a slow-drying pigment ink like VersaMark or white craft ink.

• Am I creating a blended background? Distress Oxides or Stampin’ Up! classic inks on blending brushes are ideal.

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🧼 Don’t Forget Ink Care Tips

• Store ink pads upside down to keep them juicy (unless using Stampin' Up! ink, our pads are designed to be "upside down" when in the upright position!).

• Clean stamps immediately after use, especially when using pigment or solvent inks.

• Always label your ink pads by type so you don’t accidentally ruin your markers!

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💡 Crafter’s Pro Tip

If you're ever unsure which ink to use, do a tiny test on a scrap piece of your project paper first. It takes two seconds and can save your whole card!

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Inking is more than just stamping—it's an art form. With a solid understanding of ink types and a little practice, you'll add the perfect touch to every project. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned stamper, mastering ink choices will level up your cardmaking game!

Stay creative,
Katrina 💌
Katrina’s Kreative Heart

P.S. Got a favorite ink trick or technique? Share it with me on Facebook or Instagram—I’d love to see your ideas! 

Impressions Abloom: 3 Quick-Wow Cards, July Album Retreat & Paper Pumpkin Sneak Peek

 Hey crafty friends! 👋

Sunday’s LIVE was a whirlwind of pretty paper, fun folds, and juicy July news. In case you missed the stream (or want the written scoop), here’s everything we covered—from Stampin’ Up!’s upcoming Album Retreat to three Impressions Abloom cards you can whip up tonight.

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Housekeeping Highlights

What	Need-to-Know	Dates / Details
Album Retreat	12 double-page spreads (24 pages!)—all supplies included except adhesives & album	July 16–18
Online Exclusives	Holiday-themed goodies drop again	July 1– (watch the store!)
Paper Pumpkin – “Sweeter with You”	8 strawberry-sweet cards + circle-dies add-on (subscriber exclusive)	Subscribe by July 10

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Card #1 – Window Z Fun Fold

Inspired by Karen Titus’s clever fold

• Base: Pool Party — 8½" × 5½", score 4¼"

• Inside Z-Panel: Basic White — 8" × 5¼", score 2", 4"

• DSP: Floral Impressions 4¼" × 5½"

• Circle Stack: 2⅜" Pool Party, 2" Strawberry Slush, 1¾" Basic White

• Inks: Strawberry Slush, Timid Tiger, Pool Party, Misty Moonlight, Darling Duckling

• Tip: Punch the window after adhering the DSP so everything lines up.

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Card #2 – Easy Joy Fold

Quick, joyful, and fits a standard envelope.

• Outer Panel: Strawberry Slush — 4¼" × 5½"

• Inner Card: Basic White — 8½" × 3", score 4¼"

• Layer: Early Espresso — 3¼" × 4½"

• Front DSP: 4" × 2¾"

• Accent Dies: Old Olive stems, Strawberry Slush blooms (adhesive sheets make it mess-free!)

• Sentiment: “Thanks” (Everyday Arches dies)

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Card #3 – Classic Layout (Looks Fancy, Builds Fast)

• Base: Strawberry Slush — 8½" × 5½", score 4¼"

• Front Layers: Pretty in Pink — 4¼" × 3¼"; DSP — 4" × 3"

• Inside Panel: Basic White — 3½" × 5"

• Focal Bloom: Pretty in Pink + Strawberry Slush; center in Darling Duckling

• Leafy Die-cut: Old Olive

• Finishing Touches: Strawberry Slush ribbon & sparkle gems

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Ready to Craft?

Grab the Impressions Abloom bundle while it’s still an online exclusive, stock up on those sparkly Strawberry Slush gems, and remember to secure your seat at the Album Retreat (spots go fast). Need the July Paper Pumpkin? Hit that subscribe button by July 10 so the gingham-wrapped goodness lands on your doorstep.

Want the free PDF printable tutorial for all of these cards, be sure to subscribe to my mailing list before Tuesday 6/24/25! Join here

Happy stamping, and thanks a bunch for hanging out with me each week!

Katrina

Katrina’s Kreative Heart 💖

Why You’ll Love Our Impressions Abloom Summer Class"

 

Need a creative escape this summer? Our newest card class is the perfect blend of florals, fun, and fresh color! I’m teaming up with my crafty friend Cyndy Wilde from Stamping the Wild Way to bring you a beautiful, easy-to-enjoy class featuring the Impressions Abloom bundle.

What’s Included:
For just $45, you’ll receive:

• 1/4 pack of 2025–2027 In-Color cardstock

• In-Color Flat Pearls

• Two adhesive sheets

• Pre-cut card kits for 4 unique designs

• Step-by-step video tutorials

• Shipping included!

What You'll Make:
We’re designing four cards that showcase the best of the Impressions Abloom bundle — floral layering, soft textures, and standout color combos. It’s beginner-friendly and perfect for a creative reset.

How to Register:
Sign up now through June 19 today. Kits ship on June 26 and should arrive just in time for early July crafting!

Let your creativity bloom this summer — [click here to register] and join the fun!

Set Sail with the Sunrise Sailing Bundle

 If you're dreaming of salt air, a gentle breeze, and smooth sailing into your next crafting session, the Sunrise Sailing bundle is the perfect pick. This week during our Sunday Live, we explored three creative card designs using this beautiful set, featuring stamps, dies, and a hybrid embossing folder—all in one convenient bundle!

Here's a peek at what we made:

🧭 Card 1: Pillar Pop-Out Fun Fold

This 3D card packs serious wow-factor but folds flat for mailing! With Misty Moonlight and Cherry Cobbler cardstock plus Regals DSP, it frames the sentiment "You're destined for great things" beside a cheery sailboat. You’ll love how the column creates that dynamic dimensional effect!

Grab the recipe card here

🖌 Card 2: Ink Blended Sunset Scene

We blended Misty Moonlight and Azure Afternoon for serene water, with Strawberry Slush and Timid Tiger adding that perfect sunset glow. A masked sun and a die-cut silhouette ship tie everything together for a peaceful "Congratulations" card.

Card Recipe HERE

⚓ Card 3: Clean & Classy Embossed Layers

Using the hybrid embossing folder, we created a crisp embossed sailboat and layered Misty Moonlight details for dimension. The simple "Best Wishes" sentiment finishes it off with elegance.

Card Recipe HERE

Extra Highlights You Might've Missed:

• The June Paper Pumpkin (“Full of Charm”) is only available through the 10th—9 gorgeous cards with gold foil accents and Pretty Peacock ink.

• Our BOGO Suite Sale is live: buy one suite, get another at 50% off (lesser item discounted).

• Registration is open for Stampin’ Up!’s Virtual Album Retreat, July 16–18. You'll make a full 12-month spread—24 pages total!

• And don’t forget! My upcoming Impressions  Abloom class with Cyndy launches this week. 

You’ll find all the card recipes on the blog within 24 hours—ready for you to recreate these sea-sational designs. Whether you’re new to cardmaking or a seasoned crafter, this bundle is an absolute breeze to design with.

Happy crafting—and may your creativity sail smoothly this week! ⛵💙
—Katrina

“Poppin’ By” for a Fun and Easy Card Class!

 Popcorn, Paper, and Poppin’ Fun: A New Monthly Card Class Is Here!

Hello crafty friends!

Summer might be taking its sweet time getting here (yes, we had a fire going in the fireplace on June 1st!), but we’re heating things up in the craft room with a brand new monthly offering and a super cute stamp set that’s just too stinkin’ fun.

This past Sunday’s live was all about the “Poppin’ By” bundle—a playful online exclusive from Stampin’ Up! that celebrates movie nights, buttery popcorn, and quirky sentiments like “No one’s butter than you.” I demonstrated three cards using this bundle:

1. Simple “Poppin’ In to Say Hello” Card – A clean, quick design with buttery popcorn pieces (yes, we used ink spatter to mimic real melted butter!). 

   
   
   

2. Popcorn & Film Strip Card – This one got a fun background of dancing popcorn kernels and film strip die cuts to pull together the movie-night theme.

   
   
   

3. Pop-Out Z-Fold Card – A wow-factor fun fold that stands beautifully but folds flat for easy mailing. It even features a popcorn character wearing sunglasses. Yes, he's styling! 

   
   
   

🆕 INTRODUCING: First-Sunday Free-with-Purchase Card Class!

I’m so excited to roll out something new starting this month. Each first Sunday of the month, I’ll be sharing a card class live—and you can get the kit free with a $40 order from my online Stampin’ Up! store.

Here’s how it works:

• Place your $40+ order by the 15th of the month

• I’ll send you the pre-cut card kits by the 20th

• You’ll also receive a PDF tutorial with photos, plus a QR code linking you to the class replay

Just bring your own stamps and ink—and of course, the “Poppin’ By” bundle if you want to recreate these exact designs.

🎁 Bonus Bits:

• June’s Paper Pumpkin is called Full of Charm, and it looks adorable. Think pre-cut pieces, foil details, and coordinating colors like Pretty Peacock and Mossy Meadow. Subscribe by June 10th!

• Starting June 3rd, Stampin’ Up! is running a Buy One, Get One 50% Off Sale on all sweets and sweet products—an amazing time to stock up!

• Don’t forget the Virtual Album Retreat happening July 16–18. Create a 24-page year-round album with exclusive stamps and everything prepped for you (except ink and the album itself). Can’t attend live? No worries—it’s all recorded.

💬 Lastly, mark your calendar for June 21st at 7 p.m.—our next Craft & Chat Night on the Butter platform. It’s free, it’s casual, and you can bring any crafty project (even sewing!). No download needed—just click the link when I share it closer to the date.

Thank you so much for popping by and crafting with me this week. Whether you're team “extra butter” (🙋‍♀️) or keep it plain, I hope you have a chance to make something joyful this week.

Until next time,
Katrina 💛

What’s Shakin’ Bacon? A Sweet Deal + A Wobbly Piggy Card!

 Hey there, crafty friends!

Let’s start with something super exciting: Stampin’ Up!’s Starter Kit special for May is seriously the best deal in the catalog right now!

Normally, when you join Stampin’ Up!, you get to choose $125 in product for just $99—plus free shipping, a past Paper Pumpkin kit, and business supplies, including a pack of 8 catalogs to share with your crafty crew.

But this month, they’ve bumped up the value:
👉 You now get to choose $165 in product and still pay only $99!
You still get the free shipping, the free Paper Pumpkin, and the full set of business supplies.

Now, here’s the best part: you do you.
There’s no pressure, no minimum orders every week or month if you choose.
You can be your own happy shopper—think of it like a BJ’s or Costco membership for craft supplies. You shop from yourself and save 20% on all your orders.

If you decide to turn it into a business? Awesome! You can earn 20% commission on every order you collect. But again, it’s totally your choice.

Whether you craft for fun or are ready to share your love of stamping with others, this deal is worth considering. No strings. Just stamps. 🎉

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Now, let’s talk about our adorable project of the night—because this piggy stole the show!

🐷 Meet the Party Piggy!
We kicked things off with a fun shaker card featuring the “What’s Shakin’, Bacon?” sentiment and some chewy Tic Tacs inside the belly for extra shake! I had planned to use Nerds candy (hello, maximum shake!), but these did the trick.

And the star of the show?
A wobbly piggy head thanks to a springy Action Wobble from my craft stash. (Yes, I actually found it when I needed it—small miracle!)

Here’s a quick breakdown of what we used for this card:

• Petal Pink cardstock (8½" x 5½", scored at 4¼")

• Distressed Tile 3D Embossing Folder for that textured layer

• Spotlight on Nature Dies for the big circle base

• Small Circle Shaker Domes (perfectly fit that piggy belly!)

• Stampin’ Blends in Petal Pink to shade his cute little snout and ears

• Scraps for stamping the piggy and sentiment (“What’s Shakin’ Bacon?”)

This little piggy is such a joy to craft with—she’s cute, she shakes, she wobbles, and she brings the party with her every time.

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This project was just one of three cards I shared during the live:

1. The Shaker Wobbler Card (“What’s Shakin’, Bacon?”)

2. A fun-fold birthday card featuring the party piggy with her little flags

3. Another shaker card with glitz and glitter in the piggy belly and a festive birthday hat!

I even managed to use every single stamp in the set except for “I am so proud of you.” (Don’t worry—it’s on deck for next time!) 

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If you missed the live, no worries—you can still catch the replay on YouTube. And if you’re ready to join Stampin’ Up! and get in on the May special, reach out or [click here to join]!

Let’s make May extra piggy and extra crafty! 🐖💕

Happy stamping,
Katrina
Katrina’s Kreative Heart

Handmade Healing with Hugs & Healing

 

Published by Katrina's Kreative Heart

If you’ve ever wished you could send a warm hug through the mail, Hugs & Healing is the stamp set for you!

In this week’s Live, I had so much fun sharing three sweet cards made with this charming online exclusive stamp set from Stampin’ Up! This set is full of adorable imagery—snuggly pets, ice packs, slings, and all—with sentiments perfect for sending comfort and care.

🐾 Card #1: Accordion Z-Fold with the Pup 

We kicked things off with a simple but striking accordion Z-fold card. I featured the sad little pup with the ice pack on his head and a thermometer in his mouth—so pitiful and adorable, right? Paired with paw prints and a “Hope You Feel Better Soon” sentiment, this fun fold really stands out on a desk or countertop.

Tip: The card base is 5½" x 11", scored at 1¾", 3½", 5¼", and 7". Designer Series Paper strips were cut to 1½" x 5¼", and we used a 3" x 6" piece scored at 3" for the front panel.

🐱 Card #2: Kitty with a Sling 

Next up, we showed our cat lovers some love with a card featuring a precious little kitty with her arm in a sling. I kept the coloring simple using Stampin’ Blends in Lost Lagoon and Crumb Cake. The frame from the Sentimental Framing dies added beautiful texture, and those holographic resin dots finished it off with just the right sparkle.

🐶🐱 Card #3: Puppy + Kitty Snuggle 

For our final card, we paired the pup and kitty in one heart-melting scene. With a fun, offset layout and layers of texture from the Spotlight on Nature and Framed Florets dies, this card came together so easily. I even pulled out my Color Lifter to soften the Calypso Coral coloring on the kitty (channeling my grandma’s old calico cat!).

🎉 Don’t Miss the May Join Offer!

This month only, Stampin’ Up! has an incredible join offer:

• Choose $165 in product

• Pay only $99

• FREE shipping

• FREE Paper Pumpkin kit

• FREE business supplies and catalogs

Whether you want to build a business or simply enjoy the discount like a crafty Costco membership, this offer is a win. And on our team, there’s zero pressure. Come for the fun, the community, and the inspiration—you do you!

👉 Click here to join my team or reach out with questions!

If you missed the live, you can catch the replay on Facebook or on YouTube. Until next time, happy stamping and sending hugs!

Crafty hugs,
Katrina
Katrina’s Kreative Heart

New Annual Catalog, May Paper Pumpkin & a Couple of Fun Folds!

 Hey there, Kreative Friends!

I’m so excited to share a bunch of new updates with you today, including goodies from the brand-new Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog, the May Paper Pumpkin, some of the new 2025–2027 In Colors, and not one, but two fabulous fun fold card designs!

Let’s jump right in!

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🆕 The New Annual Catalog Is Almost Here!

The 2025–2026 Annual Catalog goes live on Tuesday, and OH MY GOODNESS—there is so much awesomeness packed into these pages. I kept my copy sealed during my live to avoid accidentally flipping through (because trust me—you’ll want to see it all for yourself!).

If you haven't received a catalog yet and would like one, please let me know—I’ll pop one in the mail for you right away!

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📦 May’s Paper Pumpkin – Mountain Majesties

Can you believe it’s already May—and May the 4th, no less?!

We're now in the subscription period for the May Paper Pumpkin Kit: Mountain Majesties. This one promises some creative joy without the fuss. Just open your box and start crafting—no prep or decision fatigue needed.

Remember, you can pause or cancel anytime, so there's no pressure—just pure creative bliss delivered to your door.

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🌐 Even More Online Exclusives

In addition to the new catalog release on Tuesday, a fresh wave of Online Exclusives will drop at 12 a.m. MT. This is just a huge release—you’ll want to check it out early to catch all the new goodies!

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🤩 May Joining Special — $165 in Product for Only $99!

If you've ever thought about joining Stampin’ Up!, May is the perfect time!

Starting Tuesday, you can pick out $165 in product and pay only $99 + tax—with FREE shipping! You’ll also get:

• A free Paper Pumpkin kit

• Business supplies

• A 20% discount on future orders (25% if you stay active)

Whether you want to be your own best customer or build a creative business, this deal is packed with value.

Let me know if you’re curious—I’d love to chat with you about how this could fit your goals.

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🎨 New 2025–2027 In Colors

We’ve got some stunning new In Colors hitting the store on Tuesday! Here’s a quick peek at the lineup:

• Cloud Cover – A dreamy gray-blue (cardstock available now; ink pad coming soon - fingers crossed)

• Strawberry Slush – A returning favorite!

• Secret Sea – A rich, deep navy-toned blue

• Darling Duckling – A soft yellow that plays beautifully with Daffodil Delight and Lemon Lolly

• Timid Tiger – A gorgeous peachy-orange that blends well with Pumpkin Pie and Calypso Coral

I shared color comparisons on my live, so you can see exactly how they stack up with existing shades!

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🖼 Sentimental Framing + The Right Words = Cardmaking Gold

Tonight’s projects featured two incredible stamp sets:

• Sentimental Framing – Gorgeous stitched frame dies and coordinating sentiments

• The Right Words – A versatile mix of encouraging sentiments

• Plus, a few floral accents from Everyday You & Me (an online exclusive)

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✂️ Fun Fold #1 – Tent Fold Card

This stand-up card has a tent-like base that folds flat for easy mailing. We used Secret Sea and Cloud Cover, along with our In Color Dots for extra sparkle.

📸 

Here are the basic instructions (perfect for a screenshot!):

• Card base: 4-1/4" x 11"

• Score at: 4", 8", 9", and 9-3/4"

• Add layered DSP and sentiment panels to finish it off!

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✂️ Fun Fold #2 – Double Column Card (Inspired by Connie Stewart)

This clever design folds flat but opens up into a dimensional double-column display. I used Berry Burst and the Full of Life DSP (a last-chance item on page 43 of the outgoing catalog).

📸 

Measurements:

• Card base: 10-3/8" x 5-1/2"

• DSP panels: Four strips @ 1/2" x 5-1/4"

• Center panel: 3" x 5-1/4"

• Add sentiment layers and embellishments as desired!

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💬 Let’s Keep the Kreative Conversation Going

Tell me—which new In Color is your favorite so far? So many of you voted for Cloud Cover during the live, and I love hearing your thoughts!

And don’t forget:

• Let me know if you need a catalog

• Subscribe to the May Paper Pumpkin before the 10th

• Check out the Online Exclusives Tuesday at 8 a.m. MT

• Consider joining my team during this amazing offer!

Until next time, happy stamping 💖
— Katrina

Ocean Friends - Last Chance

 🎉 Tonight’s Cardmaking Recap! 🎉

First up, we made our Double-Decker Pop-Out Card — seriously, how adorable is that? 🦀 It pops out beautifully and features our little crab friend and the swirly embossing folder (which totally reminds me of rippling water). Perfect for sending a cheerful "straighten up and fly right" to someone feeling a little crabby! 😂

Then, we made two quick and simple cards:

• A bright and happy “Thanks So Much” lobster card with some gorgeous in-color glimmer paper ✨ (And yes... I grabbed the wrong green for the original card — Lemon Lime Twist vs Granny Apple Green. Oops! Keeping it real over here! 🤷‍♀️)

• A sweet little “Hello Friend” card using leftover scraps and our crab buddy again, dressed up with some adorable gems (which were tonight’s Prize Patrol giveaway!!)

• 
  
  

💌 Special Offer:
Place a $25+ order in my online store by Friday, and I’ll send you a FREE kit to make all three cards!
✨ Bonus: Stampin’ Up! orders now earn you credit towards future purchases too!

📸 I shared all the measurements during the live, so feel free to grab screenshots — or just place an order, and you’ll get the kits ready to go. 🥰

Thanks for crafting along with me tonight!
Stay creative and stay kind, friends! 🌸

Craft, Chat, and Connection – Our First Monthly Craft N Chat Recap!

 Wow, friends—I’m still riding the high from Friday night’s Craft N Chat! 💖 If you joined us, you know exactly what I mean. It was two hours of pure creative joy, cozy vibes, and connection with fellow paper crafters who just get it.

We laughed, we stamped, we swapped ideas, and even managed to get a little crafting done in between sips of coffee and stories from the week. There’s something so refreshing about gathering with like-minded creatives, especially when there’s no pressure—just space to be inspired and hang out.

Here’s the best part...
We had such a great time that I’ve decided to make Craft N Chat a monthly event! 🎉

👉 Starting now, we’ll meet on the 3rd Friday of every month, from 7–9 p.m. ET, for this FREE virtual get-together. Whether you're knee-deep in a project or just want to chill with crafty friends, you're welcome.

No agenda. No sales pitch. Just a chance to recharge, be creative, and build community. 🫶

If you missed April’s hangout, don't worry—you can totally join us next month! I’ll be sharing the registration link right here and over on my Facebook page closer to the date, so keep an eye out.

And trust me... you’re going to want in on this. 😉

Until then, keep those fingers inky and your heart full!

Hugs & happy stamping,
Katrina 💌
Katrina’s Kreative Heart

🌿 Faith Collection Feature: Beautiful Simplicity for Easter 🌿

 Hi, friends! This week’s Live was all about the Faith Collection – and oh my goodness, it’s one of my FAVORITE releases. It's absolutely perfect for this time of year as we reflect and celebrate during the Easter season. ✝️

While there won’t be a traditional Facebook Live on Easter Sunday (because family time is everything 💛), I’m switching it up and hosting a crafty hangout on Good Friday over on a platform called Butter (don’t worry – no download needed!). You can just click a link and join from your browser. I’ll be live from 7–9 PM Eastern. Pop in when you can, bring any project or kit you’ve been meaning to get to, and let's craft and chat together. I’ll share the link right on my Facebook page that day, so be on the lookout!

🕊️ Card 1: He is Risen

This card is so soft and radiant – we used:

• Lemon Lolly, Lost Lagoon, and Soft Sea Foam for our card layers

• The Exposed Brick 3D embossing folder for texture

• Everyday Arches Dies for that perfect focal shape

• A layered Early Espresso cross with woodgrain detail (die-cut with adhesive sheets for easy assembly!)

• And of course, a sweet pair of Easter lilies colored with Lemon Lolly and Peach Pie Stampin’ Blends

We finished it off with rhinestones for just a little sparkle. ✨

💛 Card 2: God is Love

This one brought in more texture and layers:

• A thick Basic White card base

• Designer Series Paper from the Let’s Go On an Adventure DSP (that gorgeous Lost Lagoon side!)

• A stitched shape from Memorable Blooms Dies

• Background stamped using the large circle from Elements of Style (a hidden gem in the Online Exclusives section!)

• Sentiment stamped in Early Espresso, layered on another circle die cut, with added flowers and cross elements from the Faith dies

It’s elegant, dimensional, and so meaningful.

🌸 Card 3: Let Your Faith Be Bigger Than Your Fear

We wrapped things up with a message of strength and encouragement:

• The background got some ink blending in Lemon Lolly

• A stamped and colored radiant cross using Memento Black, Lemon Lolly, and Petunia Pop

• The sentiment was placed front and center, layered over an arch

• We finished with florals, dimensionals, and just a few more sparkles!

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I loved making these cards and sharing them with you. Whether you're celebrating Easter or just need a moment of peace and inspiration, this collection really speaks to the heart. 💖

Don’t forget to check out the Faith Collection in my online store – it’s an Online Exclusive, so it won’t be in the catalog!

And I hope to see you Friday for some cozy craft-and-chat time! Bring your crafty friends!

💌 With love and paper hugs,
Katrina
Katrina’s Kreative Heart

Creative Cardmaking with the Linked Together Bundle

 Hey, crafty friends!

I hope you're ready for some fun because this week, we’re diving into the Linked Together Bundle! This set is packed with possibilities, from intricate die-cut backgrounds to beautiful layering options. If you missed my Sunday live, no worries—I’m giving you all the highlights, plus some extra inspiration to help you make the most of this bundle.

Paper Pumpkin Reminder

Before we get started, let’s talk Paper Pumpkin! April’s kit is available for subscription until April 10th, and trust me, you won’t want to miss this one. Plus, there’s an exclusive add on die set available to subscribers. If you’re not signed up yet, now is the time!

Why I Love the Linked Together Bundle

One of the standout features of this bundle is the versatility of the dies and masks. You can create unique backgrounds, layer different elements, or use the intricate lattice dies for a bold, eye-catching focal point. I played around with a few designs this week and ended up with two beautiful cards that really highlight the set’s potential.

Card #1: Layered Diamonds & Soft Colors

For this card, I used the Country Lace Designer Series Paper to create a soft, elegant background. The diamond-shaped dies interlock beautifully, making it easy to build a stunning layered effect. I accented with white linen ribbon, a touch of Misty Moonlight ink, and a simple sentiment that reads "Enjoy."

Card #2: Single-Layer Simplicity

Sometimes, simple is best! This card is a one-layer wonder, using the Shades & Hues DSP (love the crackled paint look!) paired with a sentiment that says "Wishing You a Happy Day." The Linked Together dies add texture without making the card feel bulky. A few small daisy die cuts in Berry Burst were the perfect finishing touch.

Crafting Tips & Tricks

• Use the Masks: The layering stencils in this bundle allow for endless background possibilities. Try ink blending or embossing paste for added texture!

• Mix & Match Papers: The dies work beautifully with different patterned papers, creating depth and variety in your designs.

• Use Glue Dots for Dimension: When layering intricate pieces, glue dots help keep everything in place without adding too much bulk.

Join the Fun!

I’ll be playing more with this bundle throughout the week, so be sure to follow along on Facebook for additional inspiration. And if you’re loving the Linked Together Bundle, don’t wait too long—it’s available as part of Stampin’ Up!’s online exclusives and could sell out!

Happy crafting!