Color, Layer, Cluster: Design Principles for Cards

July 6, 2026July 6, 2026Leave a comment

Artists learn formulas and principles that make their designs better, and as a paper crafter, there are skills you can gain, as well! Today’s lesson is a tried-and-true trio that enables you to create a lovely card EVERY. TIME.

Color. Layer. Cluster.

In it’s simplest iteration, this principle begins with a background color on paper, that paper is layered onto a card base, then images and sentiments are clustered together. Watch and learn in today’s video tutorial:

The first simple card uses Lost Lagoon ink added to the top layer with a blending brush. That layer is added to the card base with dimensionals. The vacation vibe is added with Under the Sun Ephemera and a greeting from the Sincerely Noted Ephemera pack.

This second card example shows how blending a bit of color to a black & white design layer (Artisan Sketched Garden Designer Series Paper) and clustering a few colored vases from the other side of the paper makes a marvelous mailable masterpiece!

Side note: The Artisan Sketched Garden DSP is DELIGHTFUL to color, and this Saturday, July 11th is a COLORING WORKSHOP featuring this paper at 1 PM or 7 PM in Hurricane, UT…RSVP by Wednesday to ensure you may attend:

The last example of the “Color. Layer. Cluster” principle is demonstrated in a Violet Dreams version, where the “color” part comes from the frame, and the cluster of violets was a pre-printed die cut, making it speedy to craft from start to finish:

While you may not be close enough to attend one of my classes in person, I do have a special offer during JULY 2026: When you order the Violet Dreams Suite Collection from my Stampin’ Store, you’ll get a FREE virtual class, along with the consumable supplies you need to make three projects:

If you are a demonstrator or customer who has purchased this from a different source, OR you only want to order the stamp set and die bundle, you can still register for the virtual class! Learn more HERE.

This formula for designing cards would work with stamped images as well. You may have already created a project following these steps, and didn’t even know it! If the concept is new to you, or clarified, I’d love to hear your thoughts: Does it help to think of creating a card like this?

Thank you for supporting my small business by shopping any of the links ~ Keep your creative juices flowing! 🍊🧡– Loni

Stampin’ Up!®️ Violet Dreams Appreciation Card

Violet Dreams Suite: 3 for Free!

July 1, 2026July 1, 20261 Comment

I am welcoming new Online Exclusive products in my Stampin’ Store in July with a SPECIAL OFFER, so read the whole post!

This month brings new Stampin’ Up!®️ products from “Fall-idays” to this LOVELY Violet Dreams Suite which will be every purple-lover’s 💜 favorite:

I love writing in PURPLE INK (and have a box full of violet pens) so I’m looking forward to sending some matching messages in the cards I create, and don’t miss how beautiful these products look on a scrapbook page! The suite includes a stamp set, coordinating dies, 12″ x 12″ Designer Series Paper, Ribbon and the prettiest embellishment blooms.

Dowload July Online Exclusive List

My first project with the Violet Dreams Suite was a simple card using one of the die cuts from the Designer Series Paper as the focal point:

This quick video tip will help you get a perfect layer for any shape of sentiment: Use the outline of the photopolymer stamp to trace & cut the shape FIRST, flip it over (lay on a contrasting background to see where to stamp) and add your saying! While I heat emboss this example, it could simply be stamped in a coordinating color.

It’s been a while, so I’m offering a “3 for Free” Virtual Class with the purchase of the Violet Dreams Suite from my store!

Here’s how it works: When you purchase the Violet Dreams Suite from my Stampin’ Store by July 31st, I’ll send you the rest of the supplies you need to make 3 exclusive cards (which you won’t see anywhere else!) and the link to the craft-along YouTube instructions. Supplies and link will be automatically sent to the address and email on your order!

This is a PERK for my customers, but here are two other ways to participate:

If you choose to order just the Framed Violets BUNDLE (stamps & dies) from my store, I’ll email you an offer to purchase the supplies & Virtual Class for just $10. This offer is also available for demonstrators on MY Sprinkled Ink Team.

If you are a demonstrator or customer who has ordered this from another demonstrator, you may purchase the Violet Dreams Class (includes supplies) for $25. Sign up via PayPal by July 31st.

I DO appreciate you, and love hearing what you are learning, what you are creating, and how I can best serve your art!

All About August

August 1, 2023Leave a comment

While I’m coming to tell you all the super Stampin’ Up! stuff happening in August, stick around to the end for a Layering Leaves fun fold card that *doesn’t* require the Bough Punch!

First, it’s TIME TO REDEEM the Bonus Days coupons you earned in July!

For each $50 you spent in July, you were emailed a coupon code for $5 off your next order. Find those emails/codes and enter/redeem them with your orders before August 31st.

Next: All Kits in the Kit Collection are DISCOUNTED up to 30% all month long!

That sale INCLUDES the NEWEST Kit, just released today: Festive Tags!

Sensational tags…and how cute on a kit! Stock up on both for holiday gift-giving now.

If you didn’t hear yesterday, my personal focus in August is on the Layering Leaves stamp set: This set coordinates with the Bough Punch – which is sadly being restocked from overseas – but you can still earn my 3 for FREE offer by adding the stamps to any $50+ order this month:

You’ll get a tutorial for 3 free cards via email AND the consumable supplies to make those 3 cards in the mail! I’ll also send any customer who orders the stamp set this month a FIRST NOTIFICATION message as soon as that pesky Bough Punch is back in stock, for you’ll want it with your stamp set.

There are just a few supplies you’ll need to complete the 3 free card tutorials that WON’T be included. You may already have these on hand OR could substitute similar products, but if you want to add them to your order, here they are:

Ink Pads: Basic Gray, Boho Blue, Moody Mauve, Wild Wheat, Copper Clay, Granny Apple and Tuxedo Black Memento Ink pad

Adhesive: Stampin’ Seal or Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Mini Glue Dots and Stampin’ Dimensionals

Meanwhile…

Here’s a simple fun fold card that you can create with your Layering Leaves stamp set!

Layering Leaves: August 3 for FREE

July 31, 20231 Comment

When best-laid plans go awry, we’ll just PIVOT.

I carefully curated 3 classy card kits for my customers who purchased the Layering Leaves + Bough Punch between July 31-August 31, 2023, only to find this morning that the Bough Punch is on backorder!

So let’s do this instead: Add the Layering Leaves stamp set to any $50+ order from my store during that time and you’ll still get the tutorials emailed AND the supplies sent to you, then I’ll send you a notification when the Bough punch is available! This may work better for you anyway, if you already purchased the punch 😀 as it won’t be a requirement to receive the projects.

The font for these sentiments are easy to read and elegant, and it won’t go out of style anytime soon.

Make sure you see the list of additional supplies you’ll need to complete the 3 card tutorials at the end.

Moving ahead as I had already planned, I showed a simple, classic card in my Monday Lunchtime Live Crafting video, and it’s perfectly simple:

Leaves are lovely to use, because they feel universal for anyone who needs a card, and adding a few sprigs and a double bow give it a bit of whimsy and sparkle. On August 14th, I will demo a project that *doesn’t* require the punch, so make sure to catch it!

Product List

Layering Leaves Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

$24.00

Sketched Plaid Cling Stamp Set

$20.00

Bough Punch

$22.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$10.50

Orchid Oasis 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$10.00

Parakeet Party 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$10.00

Orchid Oasis Classic Stampin' Pad

$9.00

Parakeet Party Classic Stampin' Pad

$9.00

Stampin’ Write Marker In Color 2022–2024

$15.00

Orchid Oasis 1/8" (3.2 Mm) Woven Metallic Ribbon

$9.00

Nested Essentials Dies

$34.00

Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

$66.00

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

$5.50

Stampin' Dimensionals

$4.25

Mini Glue Dots

$5.75

Ink Pads: Basic Gray, Boho Blue, Moody Mauve, Wild Wheat, Copper Clay, Granny Apple and Tuxedo Black Memento Ink pad

Adhesive: Stampin’ Seal or Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Mini Glue Dots and Stampin’ Dimensionals

Designer Series Paper Gift Box

June 12, 2023Leave a comment

Today’s project encourages you to USE THAT PRETTY PAPER- Don’t hoard it! This hinge-lidded gift box (3.5″ x 4″ x 1-1/4″ finished size) is speedy to make, and begins with a 6″ x 12″ piece of Designer Series Paper.

Score along each long size at 1-1/4″ in (or if you are using a Simply Scored board, put the short end at the top and score at 1-1/4″ and 4-3/4″)

Turn the 12″ side of the paper along the top of your trimmer or Simply Scored, then score at 4″, 5-1/4″, 9-1/4″ and 10-1/2″. You’ll trim at each of these score lines from the long edges just into the intersecting 1-1/4″ score line.

**If your paper is DIRECTIONAL (meaning there is a top and bottom to the pattern), watch the video to see instructions- or make sure that the top of your design is at the left when you make the first 4″ score along the long side.

This box is ideal for 2 bolts of Stampin’ Up! ribbon (or one large bolt, like the Boho Blue one I showed in the video), and it’s tight, but will work for 2 classic ink pads, or a myriad of other small gifts!

Three things to note if you are reading this in June 2023:

Most of the Designer Series Paper in the Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog is 15% off during June only!

You CAN add discounted paper to the Starter Kit+ Special Offer in June! It’s the best VALUE for anyone with a long wishlist or who wants to try a new adventure- no obligation to try it out.

The Circle Sayings 3-for-Free offer ends June 15th!

When you purchase the Circle Sayings bundle from my Stampin’ Store by 6/15/23, I’ll email you a tutorial for 3 exclusive cards you won’t find anywhere else PLUS I send you the supplies (card stock, ribbon, paper, etc) to make those three cards with your new stamp set and coordinating punch! This is the bundle I used on my box today:

PIN or save this post to try soon, if not today!

Product List

Countryside Inn 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper

$12.50

Paper Trimmer

$26.00

Circle Sayings Bundle (English)

$41.25

Boho Blue Classic Stampin' Pad

$9.00

Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad

$9.00

Boho Blue 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$10.00

Night Of Navy 3/8" (1 Cm) Bordered Ribbon

$9.00

Stampin' Seal+

$12.00

Paper Snips

$11.00

Stampin' Dimensionals

$4.25

Cupcakes, Pop Art & Free Projects to Make!

May 25, 2023May 24, 2023Leave a comment

On our last trip to Washington, D. C. my husband and I decided to step into the Hirshhorn Art museum, as it was one of a handful of Smithsonian buildings we hadn’t yet visited. It was a short tour, as most of the modern art didn’t appeal to either of us AT ALL. My personal philosophy on art is that it should do one- if not both- of the following:

Uplift and Inspire
Make the viewer happy

Big talk coming from a person whose biggest art influence was the game “Masterpiece” (do you remember that??) however, that’s my opinion and I stand by it.

One exception to my ambivalence toward modern art is Pop Art. I am attracted by color (no surprise) and bold images of pretty (or in this case, yummy) everyday objects!

Since I have a special offer (see below) for customers who purchase the Circle Sayings bundle from my Stampin’ Store, I wanted to show a card using the stamp set WITHOUT a circle. The cupcake image is my “food spirit animal” so I channeled my inner-Andy-Warhol to give you an eyeful of BRIGHT sweets!

Each section alternates between being raised by black dimensionals or having just the cupcake raised on a color adhered flat to the card:

Good thing card stock isn’t as dangerous as the food coloring it would take to make frosting in that color! These are the Stampin’ Up! colors I used: Calypso Coral, Tahitian Tide, Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, Parakeet Party, Gorgeous Grape

Here’s a special just for you:

Purchase the bundle from my Stampin’ Store and you’ll receive 3 never-seen project tutorials PLUS the consumable supplies to create all three projects! You’ll get the tutorials via email and the supplies in the mail by June 30th. Offer valid for U.S. customers only.

The Circle Sayings bundle includes a photopolymer stamp set and a NEW coordinating 2-3/8″ circle punch.

While I’ll send you all the card stock, paper, ribbon, etc. to create the projects from my tutorials, you may also need these items (found in my store, as well):

Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
Tahitian Tide OR Azure Afternoon ink pad
Lost Lagoon ink pad
Colored Pencils (I used Stampin’ Up! Watercolor Pencils)
Suggested Stampin’ Blends combos (could use colored pencils or Stampin’ Write Markers): Lemon Lolly, Tahitian Tide, Berry Burst, Medium combo
OPTIONAL: Wink of Stella pen
Scissors and adhesive, clear blocks B, C & D for the stamps

Circling Round to Monochromatic Colors (Plus 3 for FREE)

May 22, 2023May 22, 20231 Comment

It’s been fun to teach color theory in May and I really hope you’ve learned some skills to help you choose palettes for your paper crafting and rubber stamping projects! Today, I “circled around” to MONOCHROMATIC schemes, which isn’t limited to only one color, but can include 2 or 3 variations of the same HUE. Here are a few examples:

Stampin’ Up! yellows are a exquisite example of how 3 different tints, tones or shades can harmonize well: Crushed Curry (card base), Daffodil Delight (sentiment and banner) and NEW Lemon Lolly (focal point) are different depths of the same sunny color and coordinate together!

We have a variety of purples, and not all of them start in the same corner of the color wheel, so this is where you need to learn to “see” harmonizing colors. The three I used for this card were Gorgeous Grape (card base), Highland Heather (larger banner and cupcake frosting) and Fresh Freesia (background and cupcake liner).

The tutorial for this card style includes further explanation:

I chose to use the Circle Sayings Bundle for our lesson on monochromatic color ideas because I have an exclusive opportunity through June 15th for you: Purchase the bundle from my Stampin’ Store and you’ll receive 3 never-seen project tutorials PLUS the consumable supplies to create all three projects! You’ll get the tutorials via email and the supplies in the mail by June 30th.

Let me share a few additional Stampin’ Up! color trios that work well as monochromatic combinations. These are NOT all the possible pairings, only a few I came up with to get your juices flowing:

Now it’s your turn to give a “monochromatic” card a try!

Product List

Circle Sayings Bundle (English)

$41.25

Rays Of Light Cling Stamp Set

$18.00

Sketched Plaid Cling Stamp Set

$20.00

Crushed Curry 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$10.00

Daffodil Delight 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$10.00

Lemon Lolly 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$10.00

Gorgeous Grape 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$10.00

Highland Heather 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$10.00

Fresh Freesia 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$10.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$10.50

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

$6.50

Gorgeous Grape Classic Stampin' Pad

$9.00

Daffodil Delight Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

$10.00

Lemon Lolly Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack

$10.00

Highland Heather Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

$10.00

Fresh Freesia Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

$10.00

Balmy Blue Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

$10.00

Banners Pick A Punch

$27.00

Paper Trimmer

$26.00

Stampin' Dimensionals

$4.25

Inside the cards:

Sweet as a Peach: July 3 for Free

July 9, 20211 Comment

I could survive on fruit alone, and probably in my crafting, as well. Who wouldn’t love to bite into a sweet, juicy peach on a hot summer day?

In July 2021, I’m sending out 3 projects to my customers who purchase either the You’re a Peach Produ ct Suite OR the Sweet as a Peach bundle…and let me be clear ~ The Suite is SWEETEST! It includes the stamp set, the coordinating dies, adorable Designer Series Paper AND a set of mini jam jars. (HINT: You might want to snag a second pack of the You’re a Peach DSP as it’s also on the July Designer Series Paper Sale and you are going to gobble it up).

Did you see that peek that you can also turn the peaches into cherries? (or plums, or even blueberries!)

While I will mail the consumable supplies for the free projects to you, there are a few supplies you may need. You are welcome to substitute colors you already have, but these colors will coordinate best for your projects:

Ink Pads: Pale Papaya, Flirty Flamingo, Pear Pizzazz, Cherry Cobbler, Calypso Coral, Memento Tuxedo Black, Craft White
Tools: Sponge Daubers, handheld hole punch, Tear & Tape Adhesive, Stampin’ Seal, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Stampin’ Cut & Emboss machine (or mini machine)

I created this card for a swap and wanted you to see the Stitched Greenery Die, which you may not have even noticed in the catalog, but is my new favorite. It covers a whole card and paired with the peaches, it adds the perfect texture:

Tip for stamping perfectly ripe peaches: Stamp the peaches in Pale Papaya ink, then use a sponge dauber to add a *touch* of Flirty Flamingo ink on one side of the image before stamping onto your paper!

Product List

You're A Peach Suite Collection (English)

155831

$57.25

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock

159229

$8.25

131201

$8.75

146982

$8.75

155668

$8.75

Pale Papaya & White 1/2" (1.3 Cm) Woven Ribbon

155816

$7.00

155670

$7.50

147052

$7.50

147104

$7.50

102283

$9.50

155451

$32.00

151770

$35.00

149653

$120.00

109132

$6.00

129053

$30.00

133773

$5.00

Too Cute to Resist!

June 14, 2021June 14, 2021Leave a comment

I gave my Sprinkled Ink Team the challenge to create a project using a color palette including a 2021-2023 In Color and this is the card I came up with (because you can’t ask your team to do something you aren’t willing to do)!

You know I love to combine a few challenges, so I borrowed some inspiration from the Global Design Project “Case the Designer” theme this week, where Emma Goddard’s card was a great starting point:

I flipped the black & white vs colored strip around so I could teach how to do the emboss resist technique: It’s an easy WOW that makes any card irresistible (see what I did there?).

To do this, you simply need to emboss your image in white or clear embossing powder onto white card stock, then blend ink over your embossed images~ the embossed images resist the ink and appear magically!

Watch HOW here:

Remember: When you buy the Dragonfly Garden BUNDLE (stamps + punch) from my Stampin’ Store in June, you get 3 free projects in the mail! Consider this card a bonus idea 🙂

Looking for creative palettes using In Colors? Download the In Color Coach .pdf for the current 10 In Colors below!

in-color-combo-chart-2020_23 Download

Product List

154411

$23.00

159276

$9.75

121045

$8.75

True Love 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper

154281

$11.50

153611

$12.00

102283

$9.50

155554

$18.00

129053

$30.00

155611

$7.50

147097

$7.50

147101

$7.50

145667

$18.00

Fresh Freesia 3/8" (1 Cm) Open Weave Ribbon

155615

$7.00

June 3 for Free: Dragonfly Garden

June 8, 20211 Comment

Punches make creating cards simple by offering an element that adds that “punch” of pizzazz! This month, my 3 for Free kit will be mailed out to those who order the Dragonfly Garden bundle, which features the Dragonfly punch and you’ll be flying to the craft room to put them together.

While I will send you all the consumable supplies (card stock, paper, ribbon, etc), there are a few ink pads and supplies you may want to add to your order (if you don’t already have them) to help you complete your projects:

Balmy Blue Classic Ink Pad
Bumble Bee Classic Ink Pad
Blackberry Bliss Classic Ink Pad
Just Jade Classic Ink Pad
Versamark Ink Pad
Sponge Daubers
Gold, Copper OR Silver Embossing Powder
Heat Tool (for embossing)

To get you inspired by this bundle (and to teach you how to make some stunning watercolor backgrounds), I demonstrated these two cards during my Facebook Live yesterday (not part of my 3 for Free kit):

The technique (Stampin’ Blends on Vellum with Alcohol) is really quite magical, and so enjoyable to watch:

As I mention in the video, if you don’t want to do this technique yourself -OR- you just want MORE of it, you can also subscribe by June 10th for the Paper Pumpkin Kit “Expressions In Color” which will get you making 9 gorgeous watercolor themed cards in moments with everything you need in one kit arriving in your mailbox: