Category Archives: 2025 Design Team

Create a Nature-Inspired Card for Any Occasion

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By Jessica Lin

Skill: Intermediate 
Time: 45 minutes 

Hi everyone! It’s Jessica here. Previously, I created a nature-inspired all occasions card using a neutral color palette. I liked how it turned out and was inspired to create another version using similar supplies. I decided to turn this into a Father’s Day card since it pairs well with the tall tree image, but it would be great as a thank you or encouragement card as well. 

Step 1:
Let’s start by trimming a piece of Classic Crest Solar White cardstock to 3 ⅝’’ x 4 ⅞’’. Next, trim Lessebo Colors Coffee Bean cardstock to 3 ¾” x 5” as the mat layer. 

Step 2:
Then, emboss the Classic Crest Solar White cardstock panel with Stampin’ Up’s Pinewood Plank embossing folder. Embossing is my favourite way of adding interest to the background, and the Classic Crest Solar White cardstock always embosses beautifully. 

Step 3:
The focal point of the card will be this pinetree image from Stampin’ Up’s Rooted in Nature set. I masked the tree trunk with masking tape, and inked the leaves with Memento New Sprout ink pad. To create a shading effect, I tapped Memento Bamboo Leaves ink sparingly onto the stamp, and dabbed the ink with my finger to smooth out the ink edges. Using a stamp positioning tool, I was able to stamp again at the exact spot to create this duo-tone look. Then, I masked the leaves portion of the stamp and ink up the tree trunk with Memento Desert Sand ink. Lastly, die cut the stamped image with the coordinating dies. 

Step 4:
The cardbase for today’s project features Environment Desert Storm cardstock. This cardstock, along with the black and white cardstock from Classic Crest, is the paper I use the most for cardbases. The fibers in this paper bring out a natural, organic look, which is perfect for a nature-themed card. I also die cut a circle accent with this cardstock. 

Step 5:
Next, die cut a lacey-border element with DCS Gold Glitter Heavyweight 12 x 12 cardstock. This die is from Stampin’ Up’s Flourish Thinlits set and is so versatile. 

Step 6:
As I mentioned before, I picked a Father’s Day sentiment for today’s card and stamped it with StazOn Pigment Snowflake ink. The white sentiment really pops against the Lessebo Colors Coffee Bean cardstock strip. 

Step 7:
Finally, adhere all of the elements together and this nature-inspired card is complete! I really love the neutral color palette and I hope you do, too. 

Imagine Supplies: 

● Memento – New Sprout, Bamboo Leaves, Desert Sand 
● StazOn Pigment – Snowflake 
● On-Point Glue 
● StazOn Cleaner 
● Tear-It! Tape 
● Craft Mat 

Other Supplies: 

● Stampin’ Up! – Stamps – Rooted in Nature 
● Stampin’ Up! – Dies – Nature’s Roots 
● Stampin’ Up! – Dies – Flourish Thinlits 
● Stampin’ Up! – Embossing Folder – Pinewood Plank 
● CutCardStock – Cardstock – Classic Crest Solar White 
● CutCardStock – Cardstock – Lessebo Colors Coffee Bean 
● CutCardStock – Cardstock – Environment Desert Storm 
● CutCardStock – Cardstock – DCS Gold Glitter Heavyweight 12 x 12 

Make a Fall Turnabout Card

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By Ceal Pritchett

Hey there crafty friends! It’s Ceal, here. Today I am sharing how I made this colorful fall card using a turnabout stamp set, some VersaFine ink pads and the Stampwheel.

Time: 45 Minutes
Skill: Intermediate

Directions:

Gather Supplies:
I haven’t shared a turnabout card here yet and I wanted to do that because they are my favorites. Gather your supplies, you will need a stamp platform, a Turnabout stamp and some of your favorite inks. I love VersaFine Clair because they are so vibrant.

Step 1:
Line up our turnabout stamp using the alignment guide that comes with the stamp. The Stampwheel is easy to line it up because you line up the lines.

Step 2:
Ink up the stamp with the first color, I used Carrot Orange and placed it in the tabs at the top of the stamp wheel. I labeled my stamp wheel 1-4 so I would know where I am when stamping.

Step 3:
Rotate the top, ink up the stamp with the next color (I used Warm Breeze) and place the plate down in the tabs.

Step 4:
Rotate the plate and ink up with the next color, I used Golden Meadow (I think I had some blue left on my stamp therefore it turned green).

Step 5:
Rotate the plate and ink up the final color, I used Chianti. Next cut down your panel to 5 x 3.5 and adhere to the wheat panel

Step 6:
Die cut the sentiment and backer panel. I love how the die has where it scores the words into the backer so when you go to add the letters they fit perfectly.  To finish the card add the sentiment to the card.

Supplies:

Imagine Products
VersaFine Clair – Carrot Orange, Warm Breeze, Golden Meadow and Chianti

Other Products
Pumpkin Turnabout – Concord & 9th
Hello Friend – Kristina Werner for Concord & 9th

Let’s Make a Coffee Themed Card

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By Anna Escalada York

As a coffee addict, I love making coffee-themed cards. I had fun using Memento markers and Fireworks! Sprays to help color the coffee cups and the background. 

Skill: Intermediate 
Time: 2 hours (including dry time) 

Directions: 

Step 1: 
Stamp both coffee cups onto a piece of watercolor paper with Nocturne VersaFine Clair ink. Heat emboss them with clear embossing powder. 

Step 2: 
Use Champagne Delicata Ink to add color to the project. 

First, use Champagne Delicata Ink to stamp a larger watercolor panel with a background stamp. Heat emboss the Champagne Delicata Ink with clear embossing powder. 

Then, press the Champagne Delicata Ink onto a piece of clear acetate and spray the acetate with water to liquify the ink. Use the shimmery watercolor to paint the lid of the taller (portable) cup as well as the cup and saucer of the smaller cup. 

Step 3: 
Color in the two stamped images with a variety of Memento and Fabrico Markers. 

● The orange flowers on the taller (portable) cup and mug: Color the outside petals with Tangelo Memento Dual Marker. Then scribble some Rose Bud Memento Dual Marker on acetate and spray with water. Use the pink watercolor to paint the whole flower (including the outer petals which were already colored). 

● The central pink flower on the mug: Color the outer petals with Rose Bud Memento Dual Marker. Then watercolor the center of the flower with more of the pink watercolor used to color the orange flowers (created by mixing water with Rose Bud Memento Dual Marker. 

● Leaves: Color the leaves on both images with Emerald Fabrico Dual Marker. 

● Portable (taller) cup and the mug’s rim: Scribble Lilac Posies Memento Dual Marker on acetate. Then press Champagne Delicata Pigment Ink onto the acetate next to the 

marker. Spray both with water and mix the three to create a shiny light purple color and paint the cup. Then paint the decorative rim of the mug. 

● Sleeve: Scribble Pistachio and Desert Sand Memento Dual Marker onto a different part of the acetate and spray with water. Mix the two colors together and mix with more of the Champagne Delicata Pigment Ink mixed with water. Watercolor the sleeve with the resulting mixture. 

● Coffee in the smaller mug: Scribble Potter’s Clay Memento Dual Marker on the same acetate and spray with water. Mix with more of the Champagne Delicata Ink and paint the coffee in the cup with the mixture. 

Once everything dried, die cut both images with their corresponding dies. 

Step 4: 
Spray the watercolor panel, starting with Potter’s Clay Fireworks! Craft Spray over the majority of the upper half of the panel. While the spray is still wet, lightly spray the panel with Rich Cocoa Fireworks! Craft Spray. Use a paper towel to dab off unwanted spray. Then spray Lilac Posies Fireworks! Craft Spray on isolated areas of the panel. Prop the panel vertically while it dries so some of the spray drips down the panel. Allow to dry. 

Step 5: 
Scribble Lilac Posies Memento Dual Marker on the acetate. Press Champagne Delicata Ink onto the acetate and spray with water again. Mix the two together and watercolor one more time 

on the space in between the body and the handle of the cup so that it more closely matches the background panel. Allow to dry. 

Step 6: 
Stamp the sentiment from the same sentiment as the cups with Nocturne VersaFine Clair Ink on watercolor paper. Heat emboss with clear embossing powder. Trim the sentiment strip in the paper trimmer. Then press the sentiment strip’s edges into the Champagne Delicata Ink and heat emboss again with clear embossing powder. 

Step 7: 
Die cut a piece of vellum with a mid-sized circle die. Then die cut a piece of black cardstock or black watercolor paper with a die just a little larger than the sprayed background panel. 

Press the edges of the stamped and sprayed background panel into the Champagne Delicata Ink pad and heat emboss with clear embossing powder. 

Assemble the card. Glue the larger (portable) cup onto the right side of the vellum circle. Glue one layer of scrap cardstock onto the right side of the smaller mug and add foam tape behind the left side of the smaller mug. Add glue to the right side of backside of the smaller mug. Then attach the mug to the vellum. The left side of the cup (with the foam tape) directly touches the vellum and the right side of the mug overlaps the taller mug. Add glue on the backside of the 

vellum, making sure to only add glue to the parts of the vellum that will be covered by the two cups. Then add the vellum and cups to the card. Scribble Tuxedo Black Memento Dual Marker onto acetate and spray with water. Cover the cup and vellum with a scrap piece of paper to protect them. Splatter the panel with the Tuxedo Black marker mixed with water and allow to dry. Adhere the sentiment to the panel with foam tape. Glue the whole thing onto the black matte panel. Then glue the whole thing onto an A2-sized card base. To finish the card, glue embellsihments around the coffee cups. 

Art Supplies 

Imagine 

• Delicata Pigment Ink – Champagne 
• Fabrico Dual Marker – Emerald 
• Fireworks! Craft Spray – Lilac Posies, Potter’s Clay, Rich Cocoa, Desert Sand 
• Memento Dual Marker – Lilac Posies, Pistachio, Potter’s Clay, Rose Bud, Tangelo and Tuxedo Black 
• VersaFine Clair Ink – Nocturne 

Other 

• Altenew – foam tape – Instant Dimension Foam Tape 
• Hero Arts – die set – Nesting Circle Infinity Dies 
• Pink & Main – stamp set – Java Nice Day 
• Pink & Main – die set – Java Nice Day 
• Simon Says Stamp – background stamp – Circle Pattern 
• Studio Katia – embellishments – Icy Sparkle Crystals 
• Waffle Flower – die set – A2 Layers 
• Clear Embossing Powder 
• Heat tool 
• Glue 
• Watercolor paper 
• Black watercolor paper 
• Vellum 
• Water 

Christmas in July Gift Card Holder 

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By Jessica Lin

Skill: Intermediate 
Time: 45 minutes 

Hi everyone! It’s Jessica here. I want to share one of my favorite ways to create a gift card holder today. It’s super simple and quick to put together. I picked a Christmas theme but you could easily change it to a birthday or wedding gift card holder. 

Step 1:
Let’s start by creating the base of the gift card holder. Using Environment Desert Storm cardstock, cut it in half to create a standard A2 card base (4 ¼’’ x 5 ½’’), and score at 4 ½’’, 5 ½’’ and 6 ½’’. Fold along the crease to create a peak just like the one in the photo. 

Step 2:
Next, flip the card base around and apply Tear-It! Tape to the top edge of the scored line. Notice how the “peak” from earlier has turned into a “valley”. You want to avoid adding adhesive to the center of the “valley” since that will become the opening for the gift card holder. 

Step 3:
Once the middle portion of the card base is adhered together, you will have a new card base that is 4 ¼’’ x 5’’ with an inner flap. Now, we are ready to create the opening for the gift card. Place the largest frame die from Spellbinders Labels Seventeen set to die cut the gift card opening. The trick is to die cut as little cardstock as possible so that there is a large flap area to hold your gift card. 

Step 4:
Let’s decorate the front of the gift card holder next. I stamped this Christmas tree image on Classic Crest Solar White cardstock with VersaColor Evergreen ink pad and die cut the image with the coordinating die. 

Step 5:
Then, I stamped another Christmas tree design with VersaMagic Tea Leaves ink pad. Both of these stamps are from Stampin Up’s Peaceful Pines set. 

Step 6:
I decided to add an embossed panel to add some interest to the background. I trimmed a piece of Environment Desert Storm cardstock to 3 ¾’’ x 4 ½’’ and embossed it with Stampin’ Up’s Tin Tile embossing folder. The details really pop on this kraft colored cardstock, don’t you think? 

Step 7:
For the sentiment, I picked this scripty “Christmas” die from Ellen Hutson’s Merry & Bright set and die cut it with DCS Gold Glitter Heavyweight 12 x 12. This gold glitter cardstock is becoming a staple in my craft room – it’s easy to die cut with and does not shed any glitter (no glitter mess!). 

Step 8:
Finally, I stamped “Merry” with Encore! Gold ink pad to complete the sentiment. I picked this color since it matches the DCS Gold Glitter Heavyweight cardstock really well. 

Step 9:
This is what the gift card holder looks like with a gift card inserted. I really like this gift card holder since it’s super easy to assemble and there’s space to write a personal message as well. I hope you enjoyed today’s tutorial, and thanks for stopping by! 

Products Used

Imagine Supplies: 

● VersaMagic – Tea Leaves 
● VersaColor – Evergreen 
● Encore! – Gold 
● StazOn Cleaner 
● Tear-It! Tape 
● Craft Mat 

Other Supplies: 

● Spellbinders – Dies – Labels Seventeen 
● Stampin’ Up! – Stamps – Peaceful Pines 
● Stampin’ Up! – Dies – Perfect Pines 
● Ellen Hutson’s – Dies – Merry & Bright 
● Winnie & Walter – Stamps – In a Word: Grand Merry 
● Stampin’ Up – Embossing Folder – Tin Tile 
● Neenah – Cardstock – Environment Desert Storm, Classic Crest Solar White 
● DCS – Cardstock – Gold Glitter Heavyweight 

Let’s Make Some Bright Summer Art Using the New VersaFine Clair Colors 

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By Anna Escalada York

–The new VersaFine Clair ink colors are so bright and fun. I decided to use a few of them to make a piece of art to put up in our home. 

Skill: Intermediate 
Time: 2 hours 

Directions: 

Step 1: 
Press the bottom layer of a layering die cut of watercolor paper into the Spruce VersaFine Clair ink pad and set aside to dry. 

Step 2: 
Press the top layer of die cut watercolor into the Melon Soda VersaFine Clair ink pad. Then heat emboss with clear embossing powder. Glue both layers together and set aside. 

Step 3: 
Run the Lemonade VersaFine Clair ink pad across a watercolor panel horizontally multiple times to give the panel a woodgrain-ish look. Die cut the panel with a burlap-design die. 

Step 4: 
Paint a coat of gesso onto a cotton canvas panel with a large paintbrush and allow it to dry. 

Create layered background texture by stamping the panel with a striped background stamp with Adriatic Sea VersaFine Clair ink and heat embossing with clear embossing powder, then adding another coat of gesso. Repeat with a dot background stamp and a strip of collage paper adhered along the left side. Cover everything with another thin coat of gesso, allowing hints of the stripes, dots, embossing, and collage paper to remain visible. Spray New Sprout Fireworks! Shimmer Spray onto the panel and allow it to dry. Add a large strip of washi tape along the left side. 

Step 5: 
Stamp the sentiment on the lower right corner of the panel with Adriatic Sea VersaFine Clair. Heat emboss with more embossing powder. 

Step 6: 
Glue the yellow burlap design die cut on the middle of the panel, and then glue the botanical die cut onto the panel. Glue yellow sequins on the lower left and upper right corners of the panel to finish the piece. 

Art Supplies 

Imagine 
Fireworks! Craft Spray – New Sprout 
VersaFine Clair Ink
– Adriatic Sea 
– Lemonade 
– Melon Soda 
– Spruce 

Other 
Altenew – die set – Polka Dot Leaves 
Altenew – washi tape – Many Dots washi tape (retired) 
Altenew – stamp – Woven Stripes (for texture in the background) 
Art Alternatives – Panel – 6” x 8” Economy Cotton Canvas Panel 
Dylusions – stamp set – Basic Background (for texture in the background) 
Honey Bee Stamps – die set – Burlap Background 
Idea-ology – collage paper – Archives 
Simon Says Stamp – sequins – Duckling Embellishment Mix 
Stampers Anonymous – stamp set – Flower Garden (retired) 
Golden – Gesso Semi-Opaque Acrylic Primer 
Clear Embossing Powder 
Heat tool 
Glue 
Watercolor paper 

 Let’s Make a Bright Floral Summer Card 

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By Anna Escalada York

Summer in the Pacific Northwest is filled with beautiful flowers and the bluest sky. I know I appreciate them so much more since most of the year is so soggy. To celebrate the season, I made a colorful card filled with flowers.

Skill: Intermediate 
Time: 2 hours 

Directions: 

Step 1: 
Stamp the large floral image onto watercolor paper with Nocturne VersaFine Clair Ink and heat emboss with clear embossing powder. 

Then die cut the flower with the corresponding die. Also die cut a piece of vellum with the same die cut. 

Step 2: 
Watercolor the floral image. The larger two flowers were watercolored with Angel Pink Fireworks! Shimmery Craft Spray, the center of the largest flower with Dandelion Fireworks! Shimmery Craft Spray, and the leaves with Cottage Ivy Fireworks! Shimmery Craft Spray. The smallest flower was watercolored with a mix of Rose Bud Memento Dual Marker mixed with more Angel Pink Fireworks! Shimmery Craft Spray. After everything dried, the smallest flower’s color was made darker by adding a second layer of the combination of Rose Bud Memento Dual Marker mixed with Angel Pink Fireworks! Shimmery Craft Spray. 

To cover up a few small blemishes, lightly splatter Cottage Ivy Fireworks! Shimmery Craft Spray over the flowers. Set aside to dry. 

Step 3: 
Spray Lilac Posies Fireworks! Shimmery Craft Spray through a stencil on a watercolor panel. 

After the spray dried, die cut the panel with a mid-sized die from an A2-sized nesting die set. While at the die cutting machine, die cut a piece of glossy white cardstock with the next largest die from the A2-sized nesting die set. 

Step 4: 
Ink blend Lilac Posies Memento Ink through selected parts of a second stencil. Then mix Gold irRESISTible Pico Embellisher with a little water to dilute it and use a small paintbrush to paint other parts of the stencil with the Gold irRESISTible onto the panel. Allow to dry. 

Then press the Lilac Posies Memento Ink pad along the edge of the panel to add color to the edges of the panel. 

Step 5: 
Press the Lilac Posies Memento Ink pad onto a small scrap of watercolor paper and allow to dry. Then die cut the colored scrap of watercolor paper with the sentiment die. 

Also die cut a piece of vellum with the shadow layer of the sentiment as well as a couple of scraps of cardstock with the sentiment die. 

Assemble the sentiment by gluing the three die cuts together. Then glue them onto the shadow layer of vellum and set the whole thing aside. 

Step 6: 
Assemble the card. Glue the vellum floral die cut onto the stenciled panel. Use foam tape to adhere the stamped floral image at an angle, allowing the vellum layer to peek out from underneath for extra dimension. Glue the sentiment on the lower left corner of the panel. Add purple and hot pink sequins around the floral image with more glue. Then attach the panel to the glossy cardstock matte layer. To finish the card, glue the whole card panel onto an A2-sized white cardbase. 

Art Supplies 

Imagine 

• Fireworks! Shimmery Craft Spray
– Angel Pink 
– Cottage Ivy 
– Dandelion 
– Lilac Posies 
• irRESISTible – Gold Pico Embellisher 
• Memento Dual Marker – Rose Bud 
• Memento Ink – Lilac Posies 
• VersaFine Clair Ink – Nocturne 

Other Products:

• Altenew – foam tape 
• Catherine Pooler Designs – sequin mix – Miami 
• Echo Park – stencil – My Valentine: XO 
• Emily Moore Designs – die set – “Hi, hey, hello” (small style) 
• The Crafter’s Workshop – stencil – Chunky Chevron 
• Unity Stamp Company – die set – Birthday Blooms 
• Unity Stamp Company – stamp set – Birthday Blooms 
• Waffle Flower – die set – A2 Layers 
• Clear Embossing Powder 
• Heat tool 
• Glue 
• Watercolor paper 
• Glossy white cardstock 
• Vellum