Bikes & Blooms Diagonal Sliding Channel-Lock Card

June 23, 2026June 23, 2026Leave a comment

The Global Design Project color challenge #GDP553 felt “retro” to me, so I grabbed the stamp set from the June “Bikes & Blooms” Paper Pumpkin Kit and started playing.

I was reminiscing about the freedom we had during the summer growing up in the 1970’s: We would leave on our bikes and ride/play until dark, with a stop at one house or another for lunch. The rule was that we had to be home by dark! It was glorious to feel safe and to have the mobility our “wheels” provided.

TRUE STORY: One of my granddaughters just learned how to ride a bike without training wheels and she called me from her watch/phone as I was writing this post to tell me she was taking a ride around the block! While things are a little different than they were 50 years ago, I’m grateful she has acquired a new skill and a taste of her own freedom.

Back to our card of the day: Following the diagonal card fold shared earlier this month, I added a sliding channel lock piece that keeps the front flaps together, and slides off to open. TIP: When you cut your scored card stock diagonally to get two card bases from one sheet of 8.5″ x 11″ card stock, cut it *slightly* shorter (like 1/16″) so there is a small gap between the edges when folded to allow the locking piece to slide easily.

The Perennial Postage dies were perfect for giving the bike image a frame and creating the mechanism. Watch how to create a channel lock and how this card works:

To fit the Peaceful Pine/Barely Blush/Timid Tiger color scheme, I colored one of the 2026-2028 In Color Butterflies with the Timid Tiger Stampin’ Blends marker. It was easy because it was already orange-ish in Crisp Cantaloupe. The extra embellishments actually cover up an ink smudge I made with my finger, and I wasn’t about to start over again 😆 FYI: The Card base is Basic Beige, which really gives it a 70’s Vibe.

This was a fabulous stamp set from the June “Bikes & Blooms” Paper Pumpkin kit.

If you missed the Bikes & Blooms kit, the good news is that the REFILL is in my store…and you don’t really need the stamp set to complete the cards because you can add your OWN sentiments and use an ink pad you already own. BUT, you do have to be a subscriber.

Paper Pumpkin (a marvelous monthly craft kit) is FOR YOU IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBES YOU:

You’re just starting to paper craft or rubber stamp
You don’t have a lot of space to store supplies (a year’s worth of stamp sets and ink spots fit in one of the kit boxes which is smaller than a half a shoe box!)
You are traveling and need something fun to take along!
You enjoy a creative experience that is carefully curated for the season and includes everything you need (except a pair of scissors).

You can subscribe NOW and you’ll receive the July “Hooray for Birthdays” kit which guides you through creating 9 Easel Birthday Cards which stand up to display in a delightful way. Pause your subscription or cancel anytime (but you won’t want to!).

Already a subscriber? Remember to add the Detailed Flora Add-On Dies to your next order, for it will extend the usefulness of the stamp sets in the July, August and September kits!

Keep your creative juices flowing! 🍊🧡– Loni Spendlove

Diagonal Arch-Lock Card: Uncommonly Fun!

June 1, 2026June 2, 20261 Comment

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!

Graduation Diagonal Fold Card with Arch Slide Lock

February 27, 2026Leave a comment

Do you have a favorite card fold or sketch that you go back to time and time again? I’m going back to this diagonal fold with a double arch that you can slide in to lock because it’s so versatile for the Reasons & Seasons mashups I’m sharing this week!

Stampin’ Up!®️ Graduation Card using Seasonal Celebrations and Reason to Celebrate stamp sets

This fold was one I used for the Anniversary card created for a swap in January with the same two stamp sets, so I thought you would appreciate seeing how you can get more uses from it.

By layering two arches together (one on top of the other, separated by black stampin’ dimensionals on just the lower diagonal section) you create a locking mechanism: simply slide the top diagonal piece between them when you close the card:

Here are a few tips:

Make TWO cards at the same time: Score a full sheet of card stock in half both directions (lengthwise and widthwise) before cutting, then cut it diagonally and you’ll have two card bases.
The top layer (the one I embossed) is a 4″ x 5.25″ piece of card stock. Emboss first, then cut it diagonally to make the layers.
You could use two of the same size arches to create the lock, but I like the look of a larger arch behind the smaller arch, even though you only see half of it when it’s locked.
Remember to add an adhesive sheet to the back of your silver foil sheet *before* die cutting the star- peeling off the backing to stick it on is much easier/cleaner than using liquid glue! Use your embossing buddy on the points of the star that stick beyond the arch and those points won’t stick to the card.

When the card is open, I did include a Congratulations sentiment, and you can just ink up the “grad” part of the longer Graduation sentiment to get the shorter word.

This card is red & black because that’s the color of both the high school and local university, but you can use the colors for the school you are celebrating, obviously.

Another reason to celebrate is ready to be called into action and make this milestone memorable!

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If you’ve enjoyed the #celebrationcombination cards shared this week using the Stampin’ Up!®️ Seasonal Celebrations and Reason to Celebrate stamp sets, please leave a comment and I always appreciate the support when you shop my store.

Reasons & Seasons Celebration Week

February 23, 2026February 23, 2026Leave a comment

Last month I shared the Anniversary swap card I created using the Reason to Celebrate and Seasonal Celebrations stamp sets (which were designed to coordinate!) and this week, you’ll see the two sets combined to create something for every season included, starting with a simple fun-fold birthday card.

Stampin’ Up!®️ Fun Fold Birthday card with Reason to Celebrate and Seasonal Celebration stamp sets

The colors on this birthday celebration are Daffodil Delight, Shy Shamrock and Berry Burst, which is a combination that could be used for everyone. By stamping the party hats and confetti randomly on the front and inside layers, you’ve created your own party for the mailbox. The Lasting Linen background stamp also gives a bit of texture to the background of the Daffodil card base.

The key to this card is to shave off 1/16″ of an inch on the right-side of the card front, so the 7.5″ x 4.75″ Shy Shamrock card can fold over the front without buckling the card.

Small details like a few shiny embellishments top it off:

Make your own with these supplies from my Stampin’ Store:

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See you tomorrow for another Celebration Combination Card!

Wow Bow Fun Fold Card

January 5, 2026January 5, 2026Leave a comment

We card creators are constantly faced with a dilemma: Which side of this pretty paper should I use when both front and back designs are beautiful? The Wow Bow Fun Fold lets you use BOTH sides and is easily crafted from ONE PIECE of 6″ x 6″ Designer Series Paper:

This idea was adapted slightly from my friend Frances Martin of Frenchiestamps.com and you can see her versions HERE.

As I explain in the tutorial video, I like to pair bold designs with small patterns, and most of the time, Stampin’ Up! does the work for us by creating Designer Series Paper (DSP) that coordinates on front and back with contrasting colors and patterns. You can take your cue for the colors of your card from the DSP itself, as well. For my demonstration card (above) I chose a Fresh Freesia card base and Old Olive layer on the front, which matches the Lovely & Beautiful Designer Series Paper I used.

Two more versions: One showcasing the Made with Love DSP and the other featuring Cute as a Bug paper — tomorrow can’t come soon enough for you to collect all these patterns!

All of these papers will be included in the Paper & Ribbon Share, where you’ll receive a 6″ x 6″ piece of each paper arriving TOMORROW (Jan. 6, 2026) to play with! Don’t hesitate, the deadline for reserving your share is TODAY (Jan. 5, 2026). If there are any shares left over, they will be offered first-come-first-served at the Card Cafe Class in Hurricane, UT on January 15th.

The video will walk you through making this easy fancy fold card, and the measurements are below.

Card Measurements:

Card base 5.5″ x 8.5″ card stock
First layer 4″ x 5.25″ card stock
Designer Series Paper 6″ x 6″ – cut 3/4″ off bottom and score remaining piece at 1.5″ and 4.5″
Use 3/4″ strip INSIDE the card!

This final sample uses the Hobby Haven Designer Series Paper available now in my Stampin’ Store. It is NOT included in the Paper Share, but sure makes beautiful cards for folks with hobbies such as crafting, baking, houseplants (shown), sewing, self-care, etc. :

COMING TOMORROW, January 6th:

Customers may begin to order from January-April Mini Catalog and January Online Exclusives!
NEW Product of the Month drops!
NEW KITS available!
BONUS DAYS earning period begins: Earn $5 coupon for each $50 spent (in addition to collecting 10% back in Stampin’ Rewards!) to redeem between February 3-28, 2026!

Go Nuts Birthday Treat Card

October 27, 2025Leave a comment

If having a sweet tooth is wrong, I don’t want to be right! Admittedly, I do *attempt* to control it, but peanuts are healthy, right? Even in a bit of caramel and nougat?

“Festive Treats” is the TGIF Challenges theme this week- this birthday treat fits for #tgifc548

Here’s a 90-second tutorial, then I’ll write the measurements below:

Card Base: 11″ x 6″, scored at 4-1/4″, 5-1/2″, 6-3/4″ and 8″

Card layer (front and inside: 5-7/8″ x 2-7/8″ with 1/2″ strips to stamp on.

Looking for more treat stamping to share with a sweet tooth? Check out the Candy Bar Books or Gingerbread Cookie Christmas Gifts featured earlier this month on Creative Juice by Loni.

Just 4 days left to take advantage of the Starter Kit Special! Smart Stampers won’t let this amazing shopping deal pass by (with the opportunity to get a discount on your stamping supplies, birthday and holiday gifts through April, 2026!) This offer EXPIRES OCTOBER 31, 2025!

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Keep your creative juices flowing! 🍊🧡– Loni Spendlove

New at SU! Fluffy Squirrels & Branches

September 17, 2025September 16, 20253 Comments

There is always something NEW at Stampin’ Up! and September brought a SLEW of lovely new products, so the New at SU! Design Team is here to introduce you to your next “must have” item from the September-December Mini Catalog OR Online Exclusives!

I’ve chosen the Fluffy Squirrel bundle: A photopolymer stamp set with a coordinating punch, paired with the Branching Out bundle – both from the new Mini Catalog.

When creating a card with matted layers on the front, consider ways to make it different: Use a different shape for the layers, or score the card base in an unexpected way. This card base is 5.5″ x 8.5″ as usual, but scored at 1.25″ and 5.5″, so it folds around the inside greeting:

The color palette for this card is Lost Lagoon (pretty color for pines), Cajun Craze, Pecan Pie, Early Espresso and Basic Beige – feels like fall 🍂 and the squirrels make autumn adorable, sitting on a tree stump and gathering acorns for the winter. Optional idea: add some texture to the background on the top of the card by using the Birch Wood embossing folder after stamping the branches.

The best things for YOU to gather is paper crafting supplies for hours of contented crafting in every season, so keep a shopping list handy as you discover other items featured in our blog hop to squirrel-away for a stamping day (I’ve listed my products used at the bottom of this page).

September 2025 New at SU! Blog Hop: New Product Showcase

Previous Blog Next Blog

1.Furry Cat Designs (UK) – Traditions of Christmas

2.Stamping Flair (AU) – Jolly Delivery Suite

3.The Joy of Stampin’ with Rachael- Gathering Moments

4.Did You Stamp Today? (US) – Christmas Shaker

5.Stampinxime by Ximena Morales (DE) – Herbststimmung bei Stampin’ Up!

6.Creative Juice by Loni (US)- Fluffy Squirrel & Branches

7.iHeartCards2 (US) – New At SU! September 2025 – New Products Showcase

8.247 Inkspiration (US) – Spooky Sweet

9.De Kijkkast (NL) – Dreamy Card with Branching Out

BREAKING NEWS! Stampin’ Up!®️ is having a 24-hour STAMP SALE starting tonight at midnight, MT

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To see EVERY product that’s NEW at SU! BROWSE HERE

Keep your creative juices flowing! 🍊🧡– Loni Spendlove

Branches Through a Window for #gdp514

September 16, 2025September 15, 2025Leave a comment

There was one piece of Silent Snowfall Specialty Designer Series Paper left on my desk after cutting and mailing all the September paper shares, then I saw the Global Design Project sketch for the week, and imagined looking out a window on a quiet winter afternoon…

Here’s the prompt for the #gdp514 sketch:

Rummaged through more patterned paper for some worthy “wallpaper” and found the back side of one of the Autumn Toile papers would be perfect (isn’t the “front” or “back” irrelevant? The FRONT is whichever you want to use!).

Once it was adhered to the front, I cut the smaller arch from both layers, then added a dark wood window casing by cutting out two nested arches. In this picture you can really see the detail through the window:

The Silent Snowfall paper has a snowflake pattern dry embossed into it, so I heat embossed some random snowflake dots from the Branching Out stamp set over the debossed side to break up the repeating pattern and help it feel more natural and random. Once it was dry, I used a brayer to roll Cloud Cover ink over the top – the inlaid snowflakes are deep enough they don’t get any ink inside. I know that we don’t have a large Cloud Cover ink pad: You can use the refill to ink up an empty stampin’ spot, or use a piece of felt as the ink pad by squeezing some ink onto it.

Once the branches were stamped over the snowflakes, that layer was adhered to a 4″ x 5.25″ Cloud Cover card inside (8″ x 10.5″ when open), with the fold on the right:

This “card-in-a-card” design allows you to catch a few snowflakes on your tongue as you continue to unfold the greeting!

Finally, you open the inside to find a large area to write all the details a friend would love to hear from you.

Tomorrow, I’ll be mashing up the Branching Out bundle (there is a set of dies that coordinate with the stamp set) with another new bundle from the 2025 Sept-Dec Mini Catalog, and you’ll want to add it to your cart when you see how essential it is.

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Keep your creative juices flowing! 🍊🧡– Loni Spendlove

Dinosaur Quarter Fold Card

August 18, 2025August 15, 2025Leave a comment

Some cards just make you grin from the moment you start cutting paper. This one certainly did—because honestly, how can you not smile at a trio of darling dinos in perfectly coordinated colors?

For this design, I paired three of the 2025-2027 In Colors—Timid Tiger, Cloud Cover and Secret Sea —with a fresh pop of Old Olive. The bold contrast gives each dinosaur its own “personality,” while the embossed background panels add texture without overwhelming the scene.

But wait- there is more to discover as you dig in to this fun-fold card! We call it a “Quarter Fold”:

It’s a greeting card that works for all ages—kids will love the creatures, and adults will appreciate the wink of whimsy. It’s easier to make than you think: 2 card bases (one long, one wide) overlap each other, and close like the top of a box. To help you create your own, I’ve got a tutorial to download and print so you can refer to it anytime~

Download Dino Quarter Fold Tutorial

Working with In Colors is one of my favorite ways to keep my cards looking fresh without overthinking. Stampin’ Up! has done the color-coordinating work, so all I have to do is choose my favorites and let the creativity flow. With the August 2025 In-Color sale, even dinosaurs know to nod YES to new colors!

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Birthday Cupcake Fun-Fold Card

July 11, 2025July 5, 2025Leave a comment

A simple card can be transformed by an easy fun-fold element, and in today’s free tutorial, I’ll show you how to make someone’s birthday brighter!

Behind this simple facade lies a fancy surprise as you open the card:

The Everyday Arches dies are the star of this card, and an essential set of paper crafting tools that belong in every stamper’s arsenal.

Let me know if you like this idea by leaving a comment (top of post, near posting date), order the supplies you need below the button, then download the tutorial and give it a go!

Download Cupcake Fun-Fold Tutorial