Crafting a Rainbow: My First Pride Card Experience

Today is the final day of Pride month and I’m sharing my first-ever Pride card. I’ll confess it took me a while to create the design, as rainbows aren’t a big part of my style (and therefore my crafting supplies). But once I came up with the concept, this was a very satisfying project.

  • Stamps: None
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Secret Sea, Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Shaded Spruce, Night of Navy, Highland Heather
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Alphabet Ala Mode dies, Pattern of Friendship die, Stampin’ Blends, Masking Paper, Stampin’ Dimensionals

The first step was to create the rainbow panel. I measured the height of the Alphabet Ala Mode dies: 1 9/16″, to be precise. I made my panel 2″ high, which meant each stripe was approximately 1/3″ high. Turns out this was easier to do in the metric system, so my panel was 50mm high and each stripe was 8 1/3mm (which was easier to estimate).

I cut a large focal panel with extra space on both the height and width. I marked my distances on the side of my focal panel, and used Masking Paper to block off each stripe. I colored each one with a Stampin’ Blend, and I found I got best results by using a fresh piece of Masking Paper for each edge.

Once the Rainbow panel was complete, I used Washi Tape to secure the letters evenly across the panel before running it through the Stamp Cut and Emboss Machine. I held my breath as I did this step, hoping that a) the letters were straight and b) the Washi wouldn’t stick to the rainbow. WHEW. I was so glad when it worked!

After that, it was super easy. I matted the rainbow, matted a second panel, and created a third panel with the Pattern of Friendship die. Add liberal quantities of Stampin’ Dimensionsals, and it’s done!

You could make someone’s day with this card. Let them know you support them. All products are available in the Online Store.

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BEAUTIFUL GALLERY #2

I tell you, I can’t get enough of the Beautiful Gallery DSP! It has a little bit of everything and today’s card showcases that variety. I chose one of the “B” sides of the paper – a brushed gradient of grays. I had lots of inspiration for focal points, but ultimately decided to use the largest floral image from the stamp set.

  • Stamps: Gallery Blooms
  • Color Palette: Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Basic Grey, Gray Granite, Petal Pink
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Gallery Blooms dies, Petal Pink 3/8″ Scalloped ribbon, Glue Dots, Stampin’ Blends , Stampin’ Dimensionals

I colored the blossom in Petal Pink and the leaves in Gray Granite. Then I took the Gray Granite Blend and went all the way around the edges of the die cut, covering any white paper. The card base is Very Vanilla, but I chose to use Basic White for the die cut to keep the colors true.

The ribbon is tied through a small opening in the die cut and looped once. I used Glue Dots to hold the edges of the ribbon in place.

I considered adding a sentiment to the front, but decided I would wait until I decided who would get this card. I love having a stash of blank cards!

Shop the Online Store for this beautiful new suite.

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ALONG THESE LINES: A SINGLE ROSE

I have one more image to share from Along These Lines. I love the elegant vertical lines of this rose, and decided to pair it with the stunning Woven Textures DSP. To me, these linear images seem to work well with softer tones, so I chose Petal Pink for my rose.

  • Stamps: Along These Lines, Happy Hibiscus
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Petal Pink, Soft Sea Foam, Memento Black
  • Accessories: Note cards and envelopes, Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Textured Notes dies, Stampin’ Blends, Woven Textures DSP, Paper Snips, Linen Thread, Stampin’ Dimensionals

This is our smaller format Note Card. I used my snips to trim out just the word THANKS from the sentiment from Happy Hibiscus. I chose the soft linen-look design from the DSP pack so it wouldn’t overpower the rose. It has the feeling of matted artwork, don’t you think?

Shop the Online store for all your paper crafting needs!

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ALONG THESE LINES: CAKE

How about a Layer Cake on a layered card? I don’t often make square cards, but I was inspired to create a stack with this one. I made it monochromatic, but I was tempted to do it in rainbow colors. Stay tuned for future updates.

  • Stamps: Along These Lines
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Bubble Bath, Petunia Pop, Berry Burst
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Stylish Shapes dies, Textured Notes dies, In Color DSP, Bordered Ribbon, Stampin’ Blends, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I kept the coloring to a minimum, as these images are pretty intricate. A light color and a simple highlight was all I wanted. I layered a Basic White panel with a color panel and put Stampin’ Dimensionals on the back, then repeated twice more.

The Textured Notes dies are rectangles, but by running the die cut through a second time I was able to create a square. I love the designs on the edges of those dies.

TRUTH: I forgot to add the sentiment before I began stacking the paper with the dimensionals, and I was not brave enough to attempt to add it on the top of the stack! It says Happy Birthday inside.

Find Along These Lines and lots of other glorious new products in the Online Store.

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ALONG THESE LINES: BIKES

I received Along These Lines as a Prize Patrol at #OnStage2025Brisbane. I’ll confess that initially, I was not especially excited about the images. But of course, it was a gift, and I was happy to have it – and when I started to think about how I might use it, I felt inspired.

  • Stamps: Along These Lines, Everyday You and Me
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Poppy Parade, Gray Granite, Basic Black
  • Accessories: Stampin’ Blends, Masking Paper

I began by cutting a few masks of the bike. Next I stamped a couple of images, masked them, and stamped a couple more. I wanted the feeling of a race, but without racers – just the bikes.

I added just a little emphasis with the Gray Granite Stampin’ Blend around the wheels and handlebars. My pop of color was the seat to help each bike stand out.

I want to try this again with multiple colors for the seat, and perhaps with another monochromatic color. I’m thinking I’ll try Azure Afternoon or Crushed Curry – what do you think?

You’ll find Along These Lines – along with a lot of other new products – in the Online Store.

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LAST CHANCE; WINTERLY TREE TOPS

Welcome to my April Last Dance/Last Chance series! Here’s another beauty I’m sorry to see retire, because I have really enjoyed these birdies. I don’t know if there are any birds with this exact coloring in the wild, but I claim artistic license and I don’t care.

  • Stamps: Winterly Tree Tops
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Blueberry Bushel, Crumb Cake, Pecan Pie, Wild Wheat
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Stylish Shapes dies, Timeless Plaid DSP, Stampin’ Blends, Linen Thread, Stampin’ Dimensionals

This square center panel is made with the Stylish Shapes dies, which are NOT on the Last Chance list (whew!!) It’s backed with a Wild Wheat panel, which IS Last Chance as it’s a retiring 23-25 In Color. You know, when I first saw Wild Wheat I had some rather *ahem* uncharitable thoughts about the color, but once I started pairing it with other colors I became a fan. I especially love it with blue, black and grey tones.

The double gate fold is a lot simpler than it looks. Score a 5 1/2″ x 11″ piece of card stock at 2″, 3 3/4″, 7 1/4″ and 9″ to create the side panels. Once you’ve embellished the side panels, add a focal point of almost any shape to one side and you’re done!

At this writing, the Winterly Tree Tops stamps have sold out, but the dies are still available. And of course, Stylish Shapes has its hand in the air saying “choose me, choose me!!” Visit the Online Store and see the updated Last Chance List.

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LAST CHANCE for STIPPLED ROSES

Welcome to my April Last Dance/Last Chance series! I’ll confess that I haven’t used Stippled Roses a lot. It’s a lush, romantic set of images, and I don’t usually go that direction. I challenged myself to give it a good Last Chance, and I’d love to know what you think!

  • Stamps: Stippled Roses
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Basic Black, Pretty in Pink
  • Accessories: Stampin’ Blends, Calming Creek Cards & Envelopes

With this style of image, I chose to use an extremely simple design. Basic White card base, Basic Black and Pretty in Pink mats, and a single layer stamped card front. That’s it – not my usual style, but I think it works.

I also did an even MORE pared down version without any color. Unfortunately, this one has a crooked sentiment, but that just proves it’s a handmade card. I’t’s a little extreme ‘m not sure I’ll leave this one as is. What would you do?

This black and white version uses one of the printed card bases and coordinating envelopes from the Calming Creek cards and envelopes. That product is not a Last Chance product.

The Stippled Rose stamps and dies are both discounted, and the discount on the dies is deep. That makes this classic set a really good value! You can create much more elaborate cards, of course, but sometimes a simple card with a bit of color is just what you need. The lovely thing is that it’s completely up to you.

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LAST CHANCE FOR COUNTRY FLOWERS + TEXTURED FLORAL

Welcome to my April Last Dance/Last Chance series! Today’s card is another “two-for” featuring Country Flowers and Textured Floral. I’ve designed this card with Lost Lagoon and Daffodil Delight, and I’m “delighted” with the way the two colors complement each other.

  • Stamps: Country Flowers, Textured Floral
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Lemon Lolly, Daffodil Delight, Lost Lagoon, Pretty Peacock, Gray Granite
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Country Flowers dies, Textured Floral dies, Textured Notes dies, Stampin’ Blends, Subtles DSP Pack, Jute Twine, Glue Dots, Stampin’ Dimensionals

That beautiful rectangular die is from Textured Notes – it’s fairly new, and it’s not Last Chance. I slipped in a little Wild Wheat Jute trim, and I think it works well with Daffodil and Lemon Lolly. I love the way Country Flowers and Textured Floral stamps and dies coordinate with each other! Both the stamps and dies for these two versatile sets are discounted.

I’ve left this card without a sentiment. I like to have a few of these on hand for that last minute, “I need a card” moments (oh, you bet I have those!). Visit the Online Store to see all the great Last Chance choices. And thanks for visiting today.

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Last Chance Craft Bundle: Attention Shoppers Review

Welcome to my April Last Dance/Last Chance series! Today’s Last Chance bundle is Attention Shoppers, and I’m playing with that shopping cart. I used the same basic layout, but ended up with two rather different cards. See what you think.

  • Stamps: Attention Shoppers, Elements of Text, Translucent Florals
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Memento Black, Smokey Slate, Flirty Flamingo, Peach Pie
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Attention Shoppers dies, Deckle Circle dies (retired), Stampin’ Blends, Stampin’ Write markers, Petal Pink Scalloped Ribbon, Glue Dots, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I die cut the bottles and shopping bag, then colored them to coordinate with my card. I’m still having a lot of fun using Stampin’ Write markers to splatter, but the only other embellishment is a tiny bow that’s held in place with a Glue Dot. The shopping cart is almost an embellishment all by itself!

Compare the first version with this second one. I’ve got plants in pots, an embossing folder as texture for the card base instead of stamped images, and some Designer Series Paper strips for additional texture. The bow is made from the 25-27 In Color Bordered Ribbon, which I cut into 3 strips and tied into a satisfyingly messy bow.

What do you think?

Either way, you’ll be happy to add Attention Shoppers stamps and dies to your crafty stash. Here’s a money saving tip: Instead of ordering the bundle, order the parts as individual items and save! Individually they’re on sale, but the bundle hasn’t been further discounted. You heard it here first!!

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LAST CHANCE FOR BIRD’S EYE VIEW #2

Welcome to my April Last Dance/Last Chance series! I got a little carried away with myself and before I knew it, I had another version of Bird’s Eye View. It’s one of my favorites, so I shouldn’t be surprised. WARNING: This version includes Fussy Cutting.

  • Stamps: Bird’s Eye View, Translucent Florals, Textured Notes
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Misty Moonlight, Pebble Path, Daffodil Delight, Wild Wheat, Memento Black
  • Accessories: Paper Snips, Stampin’ Write Markers, Stampin’ Blends, Adhesive Back Solid Gems (retired), Stampin’ Dimensionals

For some reason I am obsessed with “flicks” from the Stampin’ Write markers. I’ll eventually get over it.

I colored the birds with Stampin’ Write markers and fussy cut the images. They’re pretty straightforward shapes, so the cutting is easy. I perched each bird on a little branch (HINT: place the birds on the panel before stamping the branch or adhering the birds to optimize the branch placement). I added a few gems and I was done.

Bird’s Eye View is available while supplies last. Don’t let these avian goofballs get away!

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