Card Sketch & More Mailable Gifts

A sketch is a springboard for creativity, and today I dove into creating cards from my stash of Designer Series Paper using this sketch:

Card #1 was a sympathy card using some gilded botanical patterns that have been around Stampin’ Up! a long time, and I wanted to show it off! The Nature’s Sweetness Specialty Designer Series Paper only needed an embossed sentiment added to make this greeting card perfect:

It made me smile to combine something old and something new for Card #2! I used the retiring Friends of the Ocean Designer Series Paper with the new Online Exclusive Pattern of Friendship stamp set for this version of the sketch:

You’ll notice that circle shapes draw the eye when used with rectangles!

Card #3 brings us to another “mailable item” idea: BALLOONS!

In my demonstration video, I suggested blowing up a balloon and writing a message on it, then deflating it again to include inside the card. It’s double fun to have to blow it up to read the greeting! You could also “reveal” what experience you have planned to celebrate with (“I’ll pick you up for birthday lunch on me this Friday at noon!”) by writing it on the balloon.

The birthday card used the Wildflower Birthday Specialty Designer Series Paper and Birthday Celebration stamp set.

And finally, since Graduation season is imminent, Card #4 was created with the On the Go Suite Collection and includes a LUGGAGE TAG:

This will be for my niece who is graduating from High School this month and off on a grand European adventure to celebrate (remember when we were just happy to have cake & ice cream to mark a milestone like graduation 👩‍🎓 😂?)

I added the tassel after the demonstration in the video, and think the detail is adorable.

Missed the LONG LIST (and growing) OF MAILABLE GIFT ITEMS? Check it out HERE!

If you enjoy learning “how-to”, here’s today’s sketchy tutorial:

Thank you for choosing to shop with me. Most of the products used were linked throughout this post – just click on a product to add it to your cart…and watch for an exclusive tutorial bundle from me when you spend more than $50 in one month!

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Fault Line Cards- Paper Pumpkin Alternatives

I was thinking of cake.

This decorating trend is called a “fault line” cake, and after watching a few short videos (activating my sweet tooth), it occurred to me that the concept would translate into card making (minus the calories!).

Let’s try it using the December Paper Pumpkin “Notes from the Heart” stamp set from paired with card stock and Designer Series Paper to create these Fault Line greeting cards,starting with a thank you card:

I roughed-up the edges along the “fault line”, reminiscent of my Busted Canvas card, by rolling back the torn edges. It really gives the card character!

Next, a Basic Beige Birthday Card, with the Timeless Plaid Designer Series Paper (from the Stampin’ Up! 2025 January-April mini catalog) peeking through:

Since I hadn’t opened the Nature’s Sweetness Specialty DSP package, I ended my stamping spree with this shiny Congrats Card. The gold foil and embossing are gorgeous, so I’ll probably make a whole stack of these to have on hand! The Adhesive-Backed Heart Sequins will be available on January 7th:

Here are the materials needed for the Fault Line card:

  • 4.25″ x 9.5″ card stock base, scored at 5.5″
  • 4.25″ x 5.5″ card stock, same color (inside the front of the card to give it stability and cover DSP)
  • Designer Series Paper 4.25″ x 4″ -the main image showing through
  • Designer Series Paper -OR- card stock 4.25″ x 3″
  • Stamps, Ink pad, embellishments (as desired)

Learn how to make this fault line card (with a twist) on Monday 12/30 during Lunchtime Live Crafting on my Facebook Page and YouTube channel at 12:30 MT. The replay will be posted here on my website later that day.

Don’t miss a Paper Pumpkin kit! The January kit Hearts for You will be oh-so-loveable, and I always share exclusive alternate projects using just the stamp set and ink (similar to these) with my subscribers in my Paper Pumpkin Patch email. Subscribe NOW by clicking the image or link above:

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