Techniques & Tutorials – Independent Stampin Up!® Demonstrator, Victoria, Australia

Birthday, Blog Hop/Instagram Hop, Designer/Patterned/Specialty Papers (DSP), Flowers, Handmade Cards, Markers for Colouring, Online Exclusives, Stampin' Up!, Techniques & Tutorials

Lost Lagoon: Sunflowers Black Out Embossing Technique

26 November, 20253 November, 2025 craftwithkate

Welcome to the Colour Creations Instahop. You can follow us on Instagram starting @craftwithkate. Each week we will showcase the Stampin’ Up! colours in alphabetical order.

Week 30 – Lost Lagoon

This handmade card features the Sunflowers 3D Embossing Folder, Stampin’ Blends Combo Markers and some die sets; Branching Out and Party Alphabet.

After embossing a piece of Basic White cardstock, turn it over and colour the debossed side with your Darling Duckling, Lost Lagoon and Pecan Pie markers. Take the Secret Sea inkpad and gently drag it across the entire surface to create the black out, then sit it aside to dry. Doesn’t it make those flowers pop?!!!

This piece is mounted onto some Brushed Metallic cardstock then onto a Lost Lagoon card base. A label is diecut from Lost Lagoon card using the Branching Out dies and the ‘H’ ‘B’ is diecut from the Floral Delight Designer Series Paper using the Party Alphabet dies. The sentiment is from the new Banner Sayings Bundle, comprising a stamp set and the Three Banner Punch.

On the inside, I added more of the Branching Out cut dies to frame the message panel and added the greenery which is part of the dies pack. These are covered in Wink of Stella so the are glittery!

Thanks for dropping by. I hope you join me next Wednesday for Melon Mambo inspiration.

Product List @stampinupofficial
Stamps: Banner Sayings*
Dies: Branching Out, Party Alphabet
Ink: Secret Sea
Cardstock/Designer Paper: Basic White, Lost Lagoon, Floral Delight DSP, Brushed Metallic, Basic White C6 Envelopes
Stampin’ Blends Markers: Darling Duckling, Lost Lagoon, Pecan Pie
Other: Three Banner Punch, Sunflower 3D Embossing Folder, Wink of Stella, 2025-2027 In Color™ Flat Pearls, Acrylic Blocks, Paper Snips, Bone Folder, Paper Trimmer, Multipurpose Glue, Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Tear & Tape, Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine, Take Your Pick Tool, Simply Shammy, Heat Tool.
can be purchased together as a bundle to save 10%

Be sure to download a PDF copy of current catalogues from my SU Catalogue Library page.

Don’t forget to Follow My Blog to receive blog updates and all the latest news and specials!

Blog Hop/Instagram Hop, Christmas, Designer/Patterned/Specialty Papers (DSP), Fancy Folds, Handmade Cards, Holiday Catalogue, Jul-Dec Mini Catalogue and Sale-a-bration, Stampin' Up!, Techniques & Tutorials

Heart of Christmas 11: Traditions of Christmas Craft Class

10 November, 202510 November, 2025 craftwithkate

Welcome to the Heart of Christmas blog hop for 2025!
I’m thrilled you are here to join us each Monday evening for the AWHT Heart of Christmas Blog Hop showcasing Stampin’ Up! seasonal products.

Week 11

These projects features the Traditions of Christmas Suite Collection.

A LITTLE ‘WHY’ ABOUT THESE PROJECTS
I recently attended the online Traditions of Christmas Craft Class led by Stampin’ Up!s designers. Being online via a live stream in the comfort of your own home, makes attending so easy. It is recorded and available straight after via an exclusive Facebook page. You can rewatch it as often as you wish. So many amazing techniques, tips and tricks were shared and variations in using alternative products if you are not keen on the Traditions of Christmas Suite Collection.

Here are the projects:

Card 1 uses some ink blending with a homemade mask, ink splatters and die cuts with a lovely sentiment.

Card 2 is so pretty in Secret Sea and Old Olive with a stamped background

Card 3 is a fun fold using the DSP

as you open this card from under the right side of the feature element

to fully open – check out that gold foil embossed with the Traditional Wreath 3D Embossing Folder!

Project 4 is a 8″ x 8″ home decor piece and here it is hanging on my front door!

I would encourage you to purchase this Craft Class available in the online store. Click here to purchase and view all the details.

Many of us also participate in the Colour Creations Instagram hop that goes live every Wednesday night. We showcase one SU colour each week. We would love you to follow us!

Thanks for dropping by. I hope you join me next Monday for more Chrismas inspiration.

Please enjoy the wonderful inspiration of our next team member, Rosa Leyden.

The full list of participants for this week can be viewed on Sharon Davern’s blog.

Product List
Stamps: Christmas Greenery, Traditional Labels
Dies: Christmas Greenery, Traditional Labels
Ink & Colouring: Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Real Red, Secret Sea, Wink of Stella, Pool Party Blends Combo Markers
Paper: Basic White, Secret Sea, Gold Foil Sheets, Traditions of Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper, Keeping Traditions 12×12 Two-Tone Cardstock, Basic White C6 Envelopes, Cardboard backing sheet from DSP Pack.
Colouring Tools: Blending Pens, Blending Brushes
Adhesives: Multipurpose Glue, Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Stampin’ Seal, Tear & Tape
Tools/Other: Traditional Wreath 3D Embossing Folder, Traditional Sparkling Sequins, Acrylic Blocks (C, D, E), Sanding Block, Stampin’ Pierce Mat, Paper Snips, Bone Folder, Paper Trimmer, Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine, Take Your Pick Tool, Simply Shammy,.
*can be purchased together as a bundle to save 10%

Be sure to download a PDF copy of current catalogues from my SU Catalogue Library page.

Don’t forget to Follow My Blog to receive blog updates and all the latest news and specials!

Birthday, Blog Hop/Instagram Hop, Designer/Patterned/Specialty Papers (DSP), feminine, Handmade Cards, Stampin' Up!, Techniques & Tutorials

Gorgeous Grape: 50th Birthday Card

15 October, 202515 October, 2025 craftwithkate

Welcome to the Colour Creations Instahop. You can follow us on Instagram starting @craftwithkate. Each week we will showcase the Stampin’ Up! colours in alphabetical order.

Week 24 – Gorgeous Grape

This special handmade 50th birthday card features the Perennial Lavender DSP and the Eclipse technique.

A LITTLE ‘WHY’ ABOUT THIS CARD
Milestone birthdays are always worth celebrating and this half century one is for my little sister. We celebrated with a special dinner on Saturday night. She loves her garden, so flowers were my go to patterned paper.

How you can re-create this card

1. Create the base – a Secret Sea card base, 21cm x 21cm, scored @ 10.5cm.

2. Stamp – some Secret Sea Cardstock is stamped with Versamark ink, Gold WOW Emboss powder added and melted with the Heat Tool.

3. Layering – The Perennial Lavender DSP layer is 9.5cm x 20cm and the Gorgeous Grape layer is 9.7cm x 20.2cm. Place the DSP onto the cutting plate of your diecut machine. Place the letters across the centre and diecut them. Glue the DSP to the Gorgeous Grape layer and then adhere them to the card base. Diecut the letters again with Foam Adhesive Sheets. Remove the backing paper and place them into the DSP spaces. Remove the top backing piece from the Foam Adhesive Sheet and add the diecut letters to create the eclipse.

4. Add the sentiment – adhere the sentiment with a dimensional in the centre and a little glue on the T and Y where the sentiment sits.

5. Finishing touches – some Adhesive-backed Heart Sequins & Purple Fine Shimmer Gems are added.

Many of us also participate in the Heart of Christmas blog hop that goes live every Monday night, where we showcase Christmas inspiration in the lead up to Christmas. We would love you to follow us!

Thanks for dropping by. I hope you join me next Wednesday for Granny Apple Green inspiration.

Don’t forget about the joining offer during October. It is a huge $175 saving. Click here for all the details.

Product List @stampinupofficial
Stamps: Charming Day
Dies: Party Alphabet
Ink: Versamark
Paper: Basic White, Gorgeous Grape, Secret Sea, Perennial Lavender DSP
Other: Adhesive-backed Heart Sequins, Purple Fine Shimmer Gems, Gold Wow Emboss Powder, Foam Adhesive Sheets, Acrylic Blocks, Paper Snips, Bone Folder, Paper Trimmer, Multipurpose Glue, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Tear & Tape, Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine, Take Your Pick Tool, Simply Shammy, Heat Tool.
*can be purchased together as a bundle to save 10%

Be sure to download a PDF copy of current catalogues from my SU Catalogue Library page.

Don’t forget to Follow My Blog to receive blog updates and all the latest news and specials!

Birthday, Blog Hop/Instagram Hop, Designer/Patterned/Specialty Papers (DSP), Fancy Folds, Handmade Cards, Masculine, Stampin' Up!, Techniques & Tutorials

Cajun Craze: Masculine Fun Fold card for Dad!

30 July, 202530 July, 2025 craftwithkate

Welcome to the Art with Heart team Instagram hop. You can follow us on Instagram starting @craftwithkate. Each week we will showcase the Stampin’ Up! colours in alphabetical order.

Week 13 – Cajun Craze

This handmade card features the Trusty Tools stamp set and coordinating dies for a fun masculine card for, you guessed it, my DAD!

The panel on the left acts like a roller door to lock in under that right panel to display standing up. The Timeless Plaid Designer Series Paper (DSP) was perfect for this masculine card.

Here you can see the details I’ve used on each of the narrow panels. I masked off each panel and stamped the lines using the Stripes and Dots stamp set in Versamark ink, added Copper WOW Emboss Powder and melted it with my heat tool. The nuts & bolts were also copper embossed. To do this, I dragged the Versamark ink pad across some Basic White card, added Emboss Powder and melted it, then I could die cut as many nuts & bolts that I needed. Try die cutting first then embossing each one individually and not burning your fingers!!!

This is what it looks like when the card is closed (flat) to put into an envelope.

The hammer, paint brush and measuring tape were stamped and coloured using Watercolor Pencils and a Blender Pen to smooth out the colour. The handle of the hammer was stamped directly onto some more DSP and fussy cut to adhere, doesn’t it look cool? This is called paper piecing!

The DAD was copper embossed and fussy cut and added on dimensionals. This entire panel has dimensionals behind it, so the roller door can sit behine to display.

Thanks for dropping by. I hope you join me next Wednesday for Calypso Coral inspiration.

Product List @stampinupofficial
Stamps: Stripes and Dots, Trusty Tools
Dies: Trusty Tools
Ink: Memento Black, Versamark
Paper: Basic White, Cajun Craze, Basic White C6 Envelopes
Other: Copper WOW Emboss Powder, Watercolor Pencils, Blender Pens, Acrylic Blocks, Paper Snips, Bone Folder, Paper Trimmer, Multipurpose Glue, Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Tear & Tape, Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine, Take Your Pick Tool, Simply Shammy, Heat Tool.
*can be purchased together as a bundle to save 10%

Be sure to download a PDF copy of current catalogues from my SU Catalogue Library page.

Don’t forget to Follow My Blog to receive blog updates and all the latest news and specials!

Birthday, Blog Hop/Instagram Hop, Butterflies, Designer/Patterned/Specialty Papers (DSP), Fancy Folds, feminine, Handmade Cards, Stampin' Up!, Techniques & Tutorials

Blackberry Bliss: Beautiful Butterflies Z Fold card with easy step-by-step measurements

9 July, 202526 June, 2025 craftwithkate

Welcome to the Colour Creations Instahop. You can follow us on Instagram starting @craftwithkate. Each week we will showcase the Stampin’ Up! colours in alphabetical order.

Week 10 – Blackberry Bliss

This handmade Z Fold card features the Beautiful Butterflies dies and the Perennial Lavender Designer Series Paper (DSP) and it fits into our C6 envelope.

on the inside

How did I make this?

1. Crumb Cake cardstock 21cm x 21cm, score at 5.25cm & 10.5cm.
2. Fold in half then back on itself to create a Z Fold.
3. Open it out flat, place in the trimmer with scorelines horizontal, and cut at 15cm.
4. Take the smaller section and flip it to create the bottom panel. Before adhering it, add the DSP to each end of the card front and some Basic White on the inside panel to write a message.
5. Add DSP to each end of the panel and a small square if Blackberry Bliss card with a stamped and heat embossed sentiment.
6. Die cut butterflies and adhere to the card, along with another sentiment on the front.

Thanks for dropping by. I hope you join me next Wednesday for Blueberry Bushel inspiration.

Product List @stampinupofficial
Stamps: Coneflower Celebrations
Dies: Beautiful Butterflies
Ink: Versamark
Paper: Basic White, Blackberry Bliss, Crumb Cake, Perennial Lavender DSP, Basic White C6 Envelopes
Other: White WOW Emboss Powder, Purple Adhesive-backed Sequins, Acrylic Blocks, Paper Snips, Bone Folder, Paper Trimmer, Multipurpose Glue, Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Tear & Tape, Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine, Take Your Pick Tool, Simply Shammy, Heat Tool.
*can be purchased together as a bundle to save 10%

Be sure to download a PDF copy of current catalogues from my SU Catalogue Library page.

Don’t forget to Follow My Blog to receive blog updates and all the latest news and specials!

Designer/Patterned/Specialty Papers (DSP), Easter, Fancy Folds, Handmade Cards, Stampin' Up!, Sympathy, Techniques & Tutorials

Super Simple Cross Card with Free Tutorial

30 May, 202528 May, 2025 craftwithkate

This super simple Cross card features the beautiful Floral Delight Designer Series Paper (DSP) and my new favourite In Color™, Secret Sea. It just goes with everything and is my new ‘black’!

This is a standard A5 side opening card, but has the cross feature on the front that folds flat to go into a C6 envelope. This could be used for a Sympathy card or an Easter card.

On the inside

Click here for my Written Tutorial.

Thanks for dropping by.

Product List
Stamps: Simply Said
Dies: Impressions Abloom
Ink: Secret Sea
Paper: Basic White, Secret Sea, Pecan Pie, Peach Pie, Floral Delight DSP, Basic White C6 Envelopes
Other: Acrylic Blocks, Paper Snips, Bone Folder, Paper Trimmer, Multipurpose Glue, Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals, Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine, Take Your Pick Tool, Simply Shammy. @stampinupofficial
*can be purchased together as a bundle to save 10%

Be sure to download a PDF copy of current catalogues from my SU Catalogue Library page.

Don’t forget to Follow My Blog to receive blog updates and all the latest news and specials!

Birthday, Blog Hop/Instagram Hop, Designer/Patterned/Specialty Papers (DSP), Fancy Folds, feminine, Handmade Cards, Stampin' Up!, Techniques & Tutorials

Secret Sea: Pop Up Floating Shadow Box card

21 May, 202515 May, 2025 craftwithkate

Welcome to the Colour Creations Instahop. You can follow us on Instagram starting @craftwithkate. Each week we will showcase the Stampin’ Up! colours. For the first 5 weeks we showcase the new 2025-2027 In Colors and then continue with all the remaining colours in alphabetical order.

Have you browsed the new 2025-2026 Annual Catalogue yet and created your shopping list?

Week 3 – Secret Sea

I have to say, I am in love this new colour – such a gorgeous rich deep blue and it is even stunning stamped off for a lighter shade. Anyway, I get side-tracked, this handmade card features @stampinupofficial products; Pretty Florals Bundle and the Florals in Bloom Designer Series Paper (DSP).

This patterned paper is so beautiful, I didn’t know which piece to use first, but I selected this one as it has my favourite colours. The flowerrs are stamped in Secret Sea, Petunia Pop (both 1st & 2nd generation) and the stems are watercoloured with Shy Shamrock to get the lighter shade.

But here’s the wow when you open the card!

Here’s the side view where you can really see why it gets its name. I decided to use a more muted pattern paper on the inside to let the feature of this card shine. I stamped the floral image overr the pop up panel in Secret Sea to add more of a soft design element.

That window is die cut using the Nested Essentials dies, as are the layering elements. A strip of Window Sheet holds the sentiment layers in place. More of the same flowers are added here.

Both of the sentiments are from the Simply Said stamp set. Those gorgeous Flat Pearls finish it off nicely with the little Gingham Ribbon bow.

Lisa Curcio has a YouTube Tutorial for this but I have converted it to suit metric measurements.

What you need
Front:
Secret Sea (card base): 28cm x 10.5cm
DSP: 10cm x 13cm, cut 3.5cm off the bottom for lower section

Inside:
Basic White: 10cm x 9.5cm
DSP (back): 10cm x 9.5cm
DSP (strip): 10cm x 1.5cm

Pop Up Panel:
Secret Sea: 18cm x 10.5cm
DSP: 7cm x 5.5cm to fit inside the Nested Essentials dies
Basic White: 6cm x 4.5cm to fit inside the Nested Essentials dies
Window Sheet: 10cm x 1.5cm

Thanks for dropping by. I hope you join me next Wednesday for Strawberry Slush inspiration.

Be sure to download a PDF copy of current catalogues from my SU Catalogue Library page.

Don’t forget to Follow My Blog to receive blog updates and all the latest news and specials!

Blog Hop/Instagram Hop, Butterflies, Designer/Patterned/Specialty Papers (DSP), Handmade Cards, Stampin' Up!, Techniques & Tutorials, Thank you

Beautiful Butterflies square card

18 May, 202515 May, 2025 craftwithkate

This handmade card features the Beautiful Butterflies products.

For this card, I began with a Basic White card base, and embossed the front with the Beautiful Butterflies Hybrid Embossing Folder. This not only embosses, but also die cuts the large butterfly at the same time, how cool is that!

I die cut [Beautiful Butterflies dies] the intricate piece from the 2024-2026 In Color™ Glimmer Specialty Paper.

Before adhering these to the card, I placed another diecut piece in Summer Splash cardstock into the hole where the white butterfly came from (see below). The adding the white and glimmer butterflies on top gluing through the centre so the wings can pop up. Some 2024-2026 In Color™ Shimmer Gems are added down the body. The sentiment is from the Greetings for All Mix & Match Euphemera Pack.

Thanks for dropping by.

Have you browsed the new 2025-2026 Annual Catalogue yet and created your shopping list?

Be sure to download a PDF copy of current catalogues from my SU Catalogue Library page.

Don’t forget to Follow My Blog to receive blog updates and all the latest news and specials!

Birthday, Butterflies, Designer/Patterned/Specialty Papers (DSP), Handmade Cards, Stampin' Up!, Techniques & Tutorials

Faux Camera Shutter card

16 May, 202518 May, 2025 craftwithkate

This handmade card features the Beautiful Butterflies products.

I shared this Faux Camera Shutter technique the other day, you can see it here and download my free PDF Tutorial to make it yourself.

For this card, I began with a Basic White card base, then a Basic White layer that was dry embossed with the Mini Corrugated Embossing Folder and adhered down the centre of the card front.

The Faux Camera Shutter uses a piece of 6″x6″ 2024-2026 In Color™ Designer Series Paper (DSP). There are lots of YouTube videos on how to create these.

I die cut some of the smaller butterflies using the Beautiful Butterflies dies and some flowers/leaves from the Country Birdhouse dies, currently in the Last Chance section of the online store for $39.20 from $56. I sure will miss these gorgeous dies.

The sentiment [Greetings for All Mix & Match Euphemera Pack] is added on Dimensionals with the flowers and leaves placed around it. A piece of White Baker’s Twine. is tied in a bow and added on a Glue Dot. Some 2024-2026 In Color™ Shimmer Gems are added.

Thanks for dropping by.

Have you browsed the new 2025-2026 Annual Catalogue yet and created your shopping list?

Be sure to download a PDF copy of current catalogues from my SU Catalogue Library page.

Don’t forget to Follow My Blog to receive blog updates and all the latest news and specials!

Blog Hop/Instagram Hop, Designer/Patterned/Specialty Papers (DSP), feminine, Flowers, Handmade Cards, Markers for Colouring, Mother's Day, Stampin' Up!, Sympathy, Techniques & Tutorials

Free Tutorial for my Faux Camera Shutter card

14 May, 202518 May, 2025 craftwithkate

Welcome to the Colour Creations InstaHop. You can follow us on Instagram starting @craftwithkate. Each week we will showcase the Stampin’ Up! colours. For the first 5 weeks we showcase the new 2025-2027 In Colors and then continue with all the remaining colours in alphabetical order.

Have you browsed the new 2025-2026 Annual Catalogue yet and created your shopping list?

Week 2 – Darling Duckling

I have two cards today, a Mother’s Day card and a Sympathy card, both using products from the @stampinupofficial Floral Impressions Suite Collection.

Card 1 – Mother’s Day card
This handmade Mother’s Day card features; Impressions Abloom Bundle, Floral Impressions Designer Series Paper (DSP) and two Euphemera Packs, Foiled Frames & Labels and the Greetings for All Mix & Match. These diecut greetings are just brilliant for quick additions to your cards.

The designer papers is from the same pack and the flowers are stamped in Darling Duckling and Timid Tiger with the Secret Sea centres. The leaves are diecut in White and Garden Green ink blended on using Blending Brushes.

You can see that gorgeous gold foiling on this circle, it’s just so lush!

These 2025-2027 In Color™ Flat Pearls are stunning too and must have if you haven’t already got them! A White Baker’s Twine bow is added on a Glue Dot.

Card 2 – Sympathy Card
This is known as the Faux Camera Shutter technique made with a piece of 6″ x 6″ DSP (free tutorial here).

I started with a Darling Duckling cardbase with a piece of Basic White which has been dry embossed with the Mini Corrugated EF. I used my Darling Duckling Marker to splatter some fine ink onto the card. The Faux Camera Shutter is matted onto a piece of Garden Green cardstock, then adhered to the card. Some flowers and leaves are die cut in Darling Duckling, Garden Green, Pecan Pie and Timid Tiger cardstock and adhered to the card. The banner at the bottom was an offcut from creating the faux shutter!

Not sure if you can see the ink splatter on the corrugated card? It just adds a little rustic charm.

The sentiment is from the Greetings for All Mix & Match Euphemera Pack and added on Dimensionals. Some of the same flat pearls were used on this card also.