Stampin’ Up!®️ Butterfly Flight Hot Foil Watercolor Wash Greeting Card

Watercolor Background Butterflies

Do you ever get the “itch” to create art? I did this morning when I saw Emma Goddard’s card featured on the Global Design Project’s “CASE the Designer” challenge #gdp556

That SPLASH of color on Emma’s card felt like creative juice, so I pulled out the new Butterfly Flight Hot Foil Dies, some watercolor paper and ink to “CASE” (Create And Share Everything) the washes of ink!

I started by making “blobs” of color (the technical term, I’m sure) onto watercolor paper using Water Painters and Timid Tiger, Melon Mambo and Pretty Peacock ink. TIP: If you squeeze your ink pad while it’s closed, some of the ink transfers to the LID of your ink pad and you can pick it up from the lid with a paintbrush so the water doesn’t damage your pad.

The Butterfly Flight Hot Foil dies were foiled in GOLD on Very Vanilla card stock (if you haven’t seen our amazing new Hot Foil system in action, click HERE to learn more) then colored with the coordinating masks. Watch how fun it is to layer on the color with Blending Brushes and the same ink pads used for the background:

The sentiment “Here’s to a new chapter” from the Sending Salutations stamp set feels appropriate for a butterfly card, as the creatures are known for their beautiful transformation from caterpillar to beauty queen! It could be used for a birthday, retirement, new job, new parents, beginning of a school year, or a wedding, don’t you think?

May you capture a moment to create today ~ it will fill your heart with happiness to make something lovely!

Product List
———->

Stampin’ Up!®️ Flourish & Frames Bee Love Card, Hot Foil Tutorial

I’ve Been Foiled & Framed!

The first time I saw HOT FOIL on a greeting card, I was captivated! That was a few years ago, and I’ve (not-so) patiently waited for Stampin’ Up!®️ to release a version I could use and share, for I knew that they would…it was just too beautiful to resist. The DAY HAS FINALLY COME and you are going to be just as enchanted.

Let’s start with a quick video to show you how, then display a few stunning examples. Make sure you read ALL THE POST for a few tips to make your experience the best! You may want to SAVE or PIN this post to refer to later.

The card I created for the video was a split-image of the breathtaking Garden Silhouette background foil die in Night of Navy Two-Tone card stock and White Willow on a Strawberry Slush Card base (Strawberry Slush seems to be the closest color to the Pink Foil). The sentiment is from the Classic Greetings hot foil dies:

The next card I created was a fun-fold with the Flourish & Frames Bundle and all the supplies for this card will be listed below.

Foiling works best on smooth paper, such as:

  • Two-Tone Cardstock
  • Smooth cardstock (Our Basic White Cardstock works great!)
  • Stampin’ Up! vellum
  • Designer Series Paper
  • Window Sheets
  • Pearlized Specialty Paper

I used our regular milled Basic Black card stock for the frame, and to be honest, it wasn’t quite smooth enough and if I was to make this card again, I’d use Black Two Toned card stock (which I’ll list in the supplies). Too much excess foil stuck to the black. Always test small samples first on other surfaces. Porous or textured papers can yield inconsistent results.

This fun-fold peek-through card design is a surprise to open!

Inside the card, the Vanilla card stock is 4″ x 10.5″, scored at 5.25″ and 7-7/8″

My mother made my sister and me matching gingham rompers for summer when I was a little girl, and perhaps that’s why I’ve been obsessed with the pattern ever since. This new Designer Series Paper has two sizes of Gingham in the 2026-2028 In Colors and the Golden Glow was ideal for my Bee-Love card.

More Hot Foiling FAQ:

Q. How is hot foiling different from regular foiling?

A. Hot foiling involves heat and pressure. It uses heat-reactive foil and special hot foil dies to transfer the foil. Regular foiling is adhesive-based and uses glue, toner, or laminator to bond the foil.

Q. How does hot foiling differ from heat embossing?

A. While both techniques are high on “wow” factor, the hot foil finish is smooth, where heat embossing is slightly raised.

Q. What tools do I need for hot foiling?

A. You’ll need:

  • Stampin’ Hot Foil System
  • Specially-made hot foil dies (IMPORTANT NOTE: Cutting dies are not designed to be used with hot foiling. You cannot die cut using foiling dies. Doing so risks damaging the dies and the system.)
  • Stampin’ Hot Foil Rolls
  • Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine

Q. How do I avoid over-foiling or patchy results?

A. You can remove over-foiling (extra foil outside the design) by lightly erasing with a clean white eraser. Patchy foiling can result from uneven heat or papers with a texture. Try preheating your hot foil die longer or switching to smoother paper. Clean your hot foil die occasionally to prevent residue buildup.


Two final notes:

  • When you order the Hot Foil system before January 4, 2027, the Metallic Magic Class is INCLUDED in your purchase, helping you to learn how to use your new tools!
  • Stampin’ Up!®️ has already placed a second order for the system, but it takes time to manufacture. If they sell out quickly in July, it may not be available until late 2026 when the second shipment arrives, so don’t delay ordering!

Another video tutorial resource:


Hope your summer HEATS UP with HOT FOIL ~ Loni Spendlove 🧡


Color, Layer, Cluster: Design Principles for Cards

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!

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.

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!


Diagonal Arch-Lock Card: Uncommonly Fun!

Card makers relish the ability to astonish and delight loved ones with mail that is outside “normal” parameters, and this card combines a diagonal fold with an interlocking nested frame that makes it different in a cool way.

On the first Monday of each month, I share a live crafting video on my Facebook Page/YouTube channel and the first design I created today was this elegant card.

Use the 3rd and 4th largest from the Stampin’ Up!®️ Everyday Arches Dies to layer with dimensionals (in the lower left corner only). The top triangle folds down between the two arch frames to “lock” the card closed.

It beautifully shows off each of the items in the Moonlit Flora Suite, from stamps & dies to gasp-worthy paper and coordinating embossing folder:

A second version of this card design is timely for Father’s Day and uses the Waterside Retreat Suite. A little ink blending on the Basic Beige front arch makes a lovely sunset background. You can see both arches when you unlock the top flap:

Use any “nesting” frames for this idea, and to help you visualize it, I used the Silly Old Bear Designer Series Paper with it’s matching Sweet Words & Labels bundle from the suite. It was the easiest of all because I simply die cut the image on the front of the label directly from the paper! There are so many labels in graduating sizes, so it’s an ideal choice for the locking layers.

I’ve got step-by-step instructions for you in this video: Please leave a comment if you watch it~ that signals YouTube to share it to a wider audience! And of course, I deeply appreciate your support of my Stampin’ Store…you can click on any of the above links!


Inspired by Berries

Like popping a fresh berry into your mouth while picking them from the garden, I couldn’t stop once I started playing with the Made with Sweetness fruit-shaped dies! Happily, the TGIF Challenge #tgifc578 gave me a reason to make another card featuring the dies AND use my circle punch again. Here’s the inspiration:

And here’s my take:

The card stock square I blended the circles on is 4″ x 4″ in case you want to try it yourself, and all the supplies are listed below (thanks for supporting my small business and shopping with me!). Now to see this card come together quickly, watch this YouTube Short:

Fresh, fruity and fun for the summer, right? Speaking of summer, here’s a special offer for the weekend- you’ll use the Puffy Star stickers for Flag Day and 4th of July crafting, so shop now!

Product List

Keep your creative juices flowing! 🍊🧡– Loni Spendlove


Getting AROUND to Piglet & Pooh Bear

One of the techniques I wanted to show you with the circle punch was Reverse Masking with a torn edge. This makes for beautiful mountain backgrounds, or in this case, a sunset walk with a friend.

Stampin’ Up!®️ Silly Old Bear card for a friend, reverse masking technique, circle punch, Winnie the Pooh and Piglet

The secret to this technique is MASKING PAPER which you can punch and lightly stick to your card stock so it won’t move. Then I tore the sticky edge of a Post-it note to make the ragged edges, as you can see in this quick video tutorial:

Remember to carefully peel off your Masking Paper once you’ve finished blending the ink. Did you see a few more tricks-of-the trade, like making the banner longer by cutting it in half? And of course, add this technique to your circle punch repertoire as a card maker.

One thing to note: Golden Glow Stampin’ Blends are the *PERFECT* colors for Winnie the Pooh, and this iconic friendship duo will warm your heart and your craft room.

Remember: When you invest in the Stampin’ Up!®️ Starter Kit this month, you could choose the 2026-2028 In Color Ink Pads as a BONUS!

Product List
Stampin’ Up!®️ circle punch cards

Ode to the Circle Punch (& In Colors)

A couplet in honor of the circle punch:

“O steadfast circle punch, quiet hero of the craft,

You press into the spotlight with a single, perfect draft.”

Of all the paper punches I own, the CIRCLE is the one that I reach for the most often. It’s simply a tool that every paper crafter must have on hand, and the only thing better than one circle punch is TWO!

Today I shared a three card ideas using a circle punch, along with a few paper crafting tips that will help you become a better creator in my LIVE CRAFTING VIDEO:

This is the card guests stamped at my Catalog Carnival Open house over the weekend, and it’s so simple to make by using the 1-3/4″ Circle Punch for the sentiment. The butterflies are stamped and cut out with the All Aflutter punch that drops tomorrow in my Stampin’ Store:

Hydrangea Hue All Aflutter Notecard, Fluttering By to Say Hi

Hydrangea Hue (the color of the butterfly card) is a NEW 2026-2028 In Color, and I showed the new ink pad case in the video, which I KNOW you are going to obsess over both the pads & colors, so I made this notecard in every color (clockwise from top left: Barely Blush, Golden Glow, Hydrangea Hue, Crisp Cantaloupe and Peaceful Pine):

2026-2028 In Color All Aflutter Notecards with circle

SIDE NOTE: Join my team in May 2026 and you’ll get all 5 of these In Color Stamp Pads in your Starter Kit FREE!

May 2026 Stampin’ Up!®️ Starter Kit Offer

Don’t need ink? You can choose an additional $35 worth of products for your Starter Kit instead. That’s $160 worth of products for only $99!

Circling back to our circle punch projects, the next card I demonstrated was the “Old Friends are the Best Friends” card featuring the Silly Old Bear Designer Series Paper and more of the new In Colors. This one layered the 2″ circle (Pooh & Piglet) over the 2-3/4″ circle punch:

Silly Old Bear Designer Series Paper Old Friends Card with Circle Punches

And the last card was a “Golden Glow”up of the Moonlit Flora suite as a peek-through card – you’ll want to watch to see how this one is done in the easiest way:

Peek-through card with circle punches and Moonlit Flora Designer Series Paper by Stampin’ Up!®️

This is NOT a comprehensive list of ways to use the Stampin’ Up!®️ circle punches, only the very beginning! Check back often this month for MORE sensational stamping with circles as we launch our May products starting May 5th.

Both Silly Old Bear and Moonlit Flora Designer Series Paper is included in the Creative Juice Paper Share and tomorrow (May 5th) is the deadline to reserve your share.

Creative Juice Designer Series Paper Share
Stampin’ Up!®️ circle punch card ideas

Keep your creative juices flowing! 🍊🧡– Loni Spendlove


Stampin’ Up!®️ Waterside Retreat Shadowbox Card

Shadowbox Cards (& Paper Pumpkin Peek)

I’m revisiting an oldie, but a goodie: This classic shadowbox card is easy to make with any scenery-inspired Designer Series Paper and when it’s removed from the envelope, pops out to stand up!

Shadowbox card with Stampin' Up! Boardwalk Fun

What could be better than spun sugar (a.k.a. cotton candy) to celebrate any special occasion? This Strawberry Slush shadowbox is created from the same Beach Boardwalk Suite I spotlighted last week and it’s now on the LAST CHANCE list, so don’t hesitate!

To help you learn how to make a shadowbox card, I’ve made a tutorial video you can watch (you’ll find it as you scroll down) and features a sneak peek at the Waterside Retreat Suite coming in May, which coordinates with the April Paper Pumpkin Kit. As the PP kit will have it’s own unique stamp set, consider it an extension of the Waterside Retreat suite, with additional sentiments & images that will complement the suite. You REALLY DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS and must subscribe by April 10th:

This is the card I demonstrated in the how-to video:

There is room to write a message on the back of the card, and a fun anchor & rope detail on the front:

Naturally, I had to make a few more versions:

For the landscape shadowbox cards, you’ll score two pieces of 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ card stock at 1/2″ and 1″ from both short sides, but if you want to make a portrait card (as shown below), score at 3/8″ and 3/4″ on the long sides:

Watch this video and you’ll be stamping shadowbox cards in no time:

As I mentioned in the video, I also have a Designer Series Paper Share in May where you can get a 6″ x 6″ piece of EVERY pattern dropping next month! Sign up early, as there may be backorders delaying orders (crossing my fingers we don’t have a problem)

While the Waterside Retreat suite is also a preview, you can order other supplies from my Stampin’ Store to create shadowbox cards, such as the previously mentioned Beach Boardwalk Suite, Cute as a Bug Suite and much more!


Keep your creative juices flowing! 🍊🧡– Loni Spendlove


Filled with Sweetness bundle by Stampin' Up, A spoonful of thanks card

A Spoonful of Blueberry Thanks

The jar from the Stampin’ Up!®️ Filled with Sweetness bundle is quite large, so I wondered if I could just use part of it on the front of a card, and the answer is YES! Be sure to print the tutorial for this card below

Using Vellum Card stock (like my pull-out fruit jar card), I stamped the jar with STAZ-On ink (to make it quick to dry and not smudge) then colored on the BACK of the vellum to fill the jar with Blueberry Jam.

I remembered to use the curved-line die to create a slit in the top of the jar to slide my spoon handle through! Silver foil sheets really make the handle look like a metal utensil.

Print the instructions to make your own, and the supplies are listed below for easy shopping! If I’ve served you well, I would appreciate your support in my Stampin’ Store 😃 🧡 🍊

Product List

Keep your creative juices flowing! 🍊🧡– Loni Spendlove