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

Say HELLO to Your Monthly Creative Escape

July 7, 2025July 5, 2025Leave a comment

Do you make consistent appointments with the doctor or the dentist to stay healthy? Do you have an exercise schedule or beauty regimen? Those promises you make to yourself for your well-being are the most important ones to keep, so make a pact to improve your connection with friends and to nurture your creativity:

Say HELLO to your monthly creative date – one you can do on your own, or with a friend!

A Paper Pumpkin craft box arrives in your mail on or before the 20th of each month filled with everything you need to make a paper-crafting project: Pre-cut paper, an ink spot in a Stampin’ Up!®️ color, adhesive and an exclusive stamp set. There are also step-by-step instructions in the box AND a how-to video on YouTube each month. Your FIRST kit includes a clear block – keep it handy for future kits!

This is a sneak peek of the July kit – the deadline for this kit is July 10th, but you can subscribe anytime and get the next kit!

The Sweeter With You July Paper Pumpkin Kit will be a card kit that makes 8 cards: 4 each of 2 different designs featuring sun-kissed strawberries and gingham!

One other perk for subscribers is an optional Add-on die set each quarter that matches the kits for all three months. The July-September coordinating Add-on is the Circle of Seasons dies:

And here is a card I made with the Circle of Seasons Add-on dies to whet your appetite for a sweet crafting subscription!

From a silver foil “Hello” to the mouth-watering fruits, this card is quintessential summer! But that’s not all…the dies ALSO cut an ACORN (which will match the September kit!)

As a subscriber, you may add an extra kit for yourself or a gift, shop from extra kits or refills, skip a month, or cancel at any time. I send a Paper Pumpkin Patch newsletter to my subscribers the last week of every month with ways to continue to use their stamp set and ink spot after the kit is completed!

If you’ve ever wanted to attend a class, but couldn’t — if you need a happy hobby — or if you just love paper, ink and stamps– THIS SUBSCRIPTION is a way to show yourself (or a friend) a little love.

👇🏼CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE NOW!👇🏼

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Keep your creative juices flowing with Paper Pumpkin! 🍊🧡– Loni Spendlove

Crafting Cards with Party Dies

May 19, 20251 Comment

Sometimes you have to invest in your hobby, and when you are ready to do so, may I suggest the Stampin’ Up! Party Banners Dies and Party Alphabet Dies? You’ll save 10% when you bundle them together in one purchase, and, as I mention in the instructional video below, you can claim them as “exercise equipment” 😅

A shaped card is as fun to create as it is to receive! The 5th largest banner die is just about 5.5″ x 4.25″, so these cards fit into the basic white Medium Envelopes:

We made the Pretty Peacock version (left) in the live crafting video, then when we were done, I looked at it and realized that the Damask Designs Embossing folder probably needed to be turned vertically, so created a second with the “Thanks” from a previous Paper Pumpkin kit Add-On die set called “Thanks & Beyond” (shoutout to my PP Craft Kit subscribers!).

This week is high school graduation in southern Utah, and I’m still making cards for grads! This Shy Shamrock card is the banner turned sideways, with letters cut from 2024-2026 In Color Glimmer Paper, and the lock/key/sentiments from Tags to Go.

Finally (for today, at least), I demonstrated this slimline card to remind you of the Eclipse Technique with alphabet dies:

A card for any cake-consumption celebration!

Learn how to make all these banner-themed cards in this video:

If I’ve inspired you to add the Party Die bundle to your list, please shop in my Stampin’ Store!

Better yet…choose these dies as part of a Starter Kit and only pay $99! The other perks of being a demonstrator are even better than the discount: A community of friendly crafters, the opportunity to create a business you love – or a hobby that brings you purpose and passion.

Keep your creative juices flowing! 🍊- Loni Spendlove

Crafting Happiness with Sweet Jar or Humble Home

May 14, 20251 Comment

Ever wish you could attend one of my classes in person, but you don’t live in my area? This is your chance to attend a VIRTUAL class from anywhere in the USA!

What: Crafting Happiness Virtual Class, featuring the Sweet Jar -OR- Humble Home bundles (stamps + coordinating punch). You’ll receive all the consumable supplies in a class packet mailed to you, then you can choose to use either bundle (NOT INCLUDED)

When: Wednesday, May 28th at 4 pm MT (replay will be available for guests- it’s fun to join LIVE, but you can always catch or re-watch the video) **REGISTER BY MAY 20th**

Where: Private YouTube video for registered guests!

This class is designed with crafters of all levels in mind, and while it spotlights the NEW Sweet Jar bundle, it could be completed with the Humble Home bundle. CHOOSE which you’ll use and when you order either bundle from my store before May 20th, I’ll email you a coupon for $5 off the class fee!

These cards were created as an example of how each bundle is interchangeable, though they are NOT part of the 5 projects you’ll make during the class:

The Class Packet you’ll receive by mail includes*:

Rhinestone Basic Jewels (item #144220)
Sponge Dauber (1) (Item #133773)
Card Stock, Designer Series Paper, packaging, envelopes and accessories cut for all five projects
One sheet of Stampin’ Dimensionals
Sweet surprises!
Colored copy of all the projects for reference.

(* while supplies last- if items sell out before packets are mailed, items of equal value may be substituted)

Also needed (not included in class fee):

Ink Pads: Smoky Slate (#147113), Pool Party (#147107), Shy Shamrock (#163808), Pretty in Pink (#163807), Pecan Pie (#161665), Petunia Pop (#163811), Daffodil Delight (#147094). Optional: Early Espresso (#147114), Shaded Spruce (#147088)

The class fee is $37 (includes shipping to you) and watch for a coupon in your email quickly after you order one of the bundles from my store!

You’ll love the adorable things you create during the class, so don’t hesitate: Register today!

Joseph’s Coat Technique with Patterned Paper

February 18, 2025Leave a comment

Last summer I taught you the Joseph’s Coat technique with Embossing Folders, so now it’s time to try this cool rubber stamping technique with Stampin’ Up! Designer Series Paper, plus I’ve included a bonus version using Stampin’ Write Markers!

The technique begins by clear embossing a bold image over a pattern, then adding black (or dark ink) over the embossed paper, while the ink “resists” sticking to the clear embossing powder:

I used the graphic designs from the Toadstool Gardens DSP (from Sale-a-Bration 2025), and used the largest Perennial Postage die to cut a unique shape from the pattern, leaving just enough of the paper to add to the flap of my envelope.

The Thanking You stamp is large and bold enough to allow the pattern to be seen well through the embossing once the black ink is smeared all over the Designer Series Paper. You’ll want to use a tissue to wipe off any residue from clear embossed words, and the colorful pattern emerges just like the magic of the famous coat of Joseph in Egypt!

As a BONUS, I showed that you could create a pattern with Stampin’ Write markers to make a custom design, like Red, White and Blue for Independence Day:

Stampin’ Write Markers are part of the “Extra” perks of joining Stampin’ Up! during Sale-a-Bration!

Why not try the starter kit and choose Option 1? You’ll get $216 worth of crafting supplies for just $99!

To learn exactly how to do the Joseph’s Coat Technique (and more about Stampin’ Write markers or the opportunity to join), watch this video:

Just 10 days left to collect the Toadstool Garden Designer Series Paper (or another SAB product of your choice) for FREE during Stampin’ Up! Sale-a-Bration 2025! For each $60 you spend, you can choose a free product and many new items were added at the beginning of February.

Thank you for choosing me to serve your creative needs! These are the supplies for the first card, which I demonstrated in the video tutorial:

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Adventure Together- Reach for the Stars

January 31, 2025Leave a comment

Have you browsed through the Online Exclusive section of my Stampin’ Up! store recently??! There are so many hidden treasures there, and THIS is one of them:

Adventure Together Bundle

I loved the little camper so much that I used it for the last card swap with my Sprinkled Ink team!

This card paired the Stampin’ Up! Adventure Together bundle with the Everyday Skies Suite Collection (another Online Exclusive must-have) for a snapshot of camping under the stars and stories around a fire. Doesn’t it make you yearn for warmer weather?

It was wonderful to see how it paired with many of the designs in the Everyday Skies Designer Series Paper, and this one shows a different color combination and skyscape:

Which do you prefer- The blue night sky filled with stars or the purple clouds of the evening sunset? Comments are at the top of the post near the date!

Product List

Adventure Together Bundle (English)

Everyday Arches Bundle (English)

Everyday Skies 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Azure Afternoon 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Fresh Freesia 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Pool Party 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Azure Afternoon Classic Stampin' Pad

Misty Moonlight Classic Stampin' Pad

Fresh Freesia Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

Bubble Bath Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack

Azure Afternoon Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack

Lemon Lolly Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack

Smoky Slate Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

Basic Black Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

Old Olive Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

Stampin' Seal

Stampin' Dimensionals

Two Tone Sparkle Gems

Hollyhock floating frame and Sentimental Wishes Christmas Card floating Frame

Learn Paper Crafting with a Kit

October 22, 2024October 22, 2024Leave a comment

If you can use scissors and glue, you have the ability to make pretty things with paper! All you need next is a kit: Lucky for you ~ the Stampin’ Up! Kit Collection is up to 30% off through October 31st:

Not only is a kit a wonderful starting point for any new paper crafter, they also give you ideas for further crafting, as I’m about to show you.

Playing with the Hello Hollyhocks kit (an all-inclusive, non-stamping kit), I demonstrated how to let the sketch for card #1 (on the left) inspire a future project (on the right):

Hello Hollyhock card sketch to Zinnia Card

Swapping out a hollyhocks for stamped and colored zinnias and creating your own splatter background made this “dupe” super simple.

Next, you can “step up” a card from the kit by cutting apart the card base and framing it on coordinating card stock:

Watch the video (below) to see what I did for the inside of the stepped-up version!

Finally, let a kit teach you a new technique to try, like this floating frame idea. The card on the left is from the kit, which inspired the Christmas card on the right: