24 July 2026

Spellbinders | Spectacular Christmas

Hello there, thank you so much for being here! Today I have three cards to share using the Spellbinders Spectacular Christmas collection. 

PLEASE NOTE: This post contains affiliate links. Please see below for my full disclosure.



The Spellbinders Spectacular Christmas collection consists of Santa (which I already shared a card using him here), bear, penguin and deer, plus a sentiment and coordinating die set. The Santa and bear have the bodies of the characters but the penguin and deer do not. The body from the bear set works for both the penguin and deer.

SPECTACULAR BEAR


I started off with the Spellbinders Spectacular Bear Etched Dies, die cutting him from Spellbinders ColorWheel Cardstock. I die cut the body and head of the bear from Classic White, the tummy, ears and top layer of the nose from Chiffon, the bottom layer of the nose from Raven, and the cheeks from Bellini


I cut the scarf and hat from Waterfall and Teal Topaz and the glasses from Teal Topaz. The Christmas pudding was cut from Truffle, Alabaster for the top layer of brandy sauce, and Chiffon for the bottom layer of brandy sauce.  The holly was cut from Rainforest and the berries from Wild Berry


I adhered Raven cardstock to the back of the head (to show though the eyes) and then adhered all the other pieces/layers together using Bearly Art Glue. I added a panel of Spellbinders Seaside ColorWheel Cardstock to a US A2 sized white card base and adhered the bear on top using thin foam tape. The pudding was adhered under the hand using more thin foam tape. 


I stamped the sentiment from the Spellbinders Spectacular Holiday Sentiments Stamp & Die Set onto white cardstock using Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink. It was die cut out using the coordinating die and adhered to the card with a combination of liquid glue and foam tape. To finish, I embellished with Spellbinders Aquamarine Color Essentials Gems and applied Star Dust Stickles to the berries and the pom pom on the hat. 

SPECTACULAR PENGUIN


For my second card, I die cut the Spellbinders Spectacular Penguin Etched Dies from Spellbinders ColorWheel Cardstock. I cut the body and head from Raven and Classic White, the beak from Beeswax and the cheeks from Bellini. The scarf was cut from Waterfall and Teal Topaz, the glasses from Teal Topaz, and the earmuffs from Waterfall and Classic White. 


The cupcake was die cut from Tutu, Fawn and Chiffon. The holly and berries cut from Rainforest and Wild Berry respectively. The pieces were assembled but I left off the earmuffs until adhering the penguin to the card. I added a panel of Spellbinders Blush ColorWheel Cardstock to a US A2 sized white card base. 


I adhered the penguin on top, using thin foam tape, followed by the earmuffs. The cake was adhered to his hand using thin foam tape also. I stamped a sentiment from the Spellbinders Spectacular Holiday Sentiments Stamp & Die Set onto white cardstock using Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink


It was die cut out using the coordinating die and adhered to the card with a combination of liquid glue and foam tape. To finish, I embellished with Spellbinders Pink Color Essentials Gems and Star Dust Stickles on the berries. 

SPECTACULAR DEER


Last but not least, for my third card, I die cut the Spellbinders Spectacular Deer Etched Dies from Spellbinders ColorWheel Cardstock. I cut the body and head from Truffle and Fawn, the cheeks from Bellini, the ears from Chiffon, the nose and eyes from Raven, and the antlers and hooves from Alabaster


The scarf was cut from Waterfall and Teal Topaz. The cupcake was cut from Tutu, Fawn and Chiffon. The holly from Rainforest and the berries from Wild Berry. The pieces/layers were adhered together using Bearly Art Glue and the cupcake added to the arm using thin foam tape. 


I added a panel of Spellbinders Seaside ColorWheel Cardstock to a US A2 sized white card base and adhered the deer on top using thin foam tape. I stamped a sentiment from Spellbinders Spectacular Holiday Sentiments Stamp & Die Set onto white cardstock using Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink


It was die cut out using the coordinating die, but the sentiment is all on one line and I knew it wouldn't fit, so I used my scissors to cut it into two. They were adhered to the card using a combination of liquid glue and foam tape. To finish, I embellished with Spellbinders Aquamarine Color Essentials Gemsadded Star Dust Stickles to the berries, and Crystal Glaze to the nose. 

SUPPLIES:

 

Here are the links to what I have used on the projects. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.


As you can see, I kept my cards very simple today, letting the characters be the star of the show, but these would work great with lots of different card designs too! Thank you so much for stopping by today, I really do appreciate it. I hope you have a great day! 

23 July 2026

Simon Says Stamp | Hey There

Hello there, I hope you are well! Today I have a card to share using some new sets from the Simon Says Stamp Every Happiness release which is out now. The main focus is the Squeeze You set which features lemons. I always think of lemons being quite summery but they can be used for lots of occasions! 

PLEASE NOTE: This post contains affiliate links. Please see below for my full disclosure.



I started off my card by stamping the main image from the Simon Says Stamp Squeeze You Stamp Set onto white cardstock using Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink. I then stamped the flowers onto a separate piece of cardstock. I placed the Simon Says Stamp Squeeze You Stencils over the images to colour them in using ink blending. 


I used Altenew Pocketful of Sunshine Fresh Dye Inks (all four shades) for the lemons, Altenew Green Valley Fresh Dye Inks (the three lightest) for the leaves and stems, and Altenew Baby Pink Fresh Dye Ink for the flowers. I added dots of Copic Marker Y17 and Y15 to the lemons for some texture and interest. I die cut the main image panel using the largest die from the new Simon Says Stamp Stitched Arches Dies. The flowers were fussy cut out using scissors. 


I took the 'hey there' sentiment from the new Simon Says Stamp Paper Cut Messages Stamp Set and stamped it on top of the panel using Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink. I then cut a little bit off the bottom of the panel. I die cut two more of the same arch, this time from Hero Arts Pitch Black Cardstock. I scored a line towards the top of one of the arches to create a hinge. 


I added adhesive to the hinge and then adhered it to the front of the other arch to create an arch shaped card base. The image panel was adhered on top. I adhered the flowers next, using a little liquid glue in the centres and folded up the edges slightly for some dimension. To finish, I added Spellbinders Silver Mix Color Essentials Gems to the centres of the flowers and then added white gel pen highlights to the letters on the sentiment. 

SUPPLIES:

 

Here are the links to what I have used on the project. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.


Those arch dies are great as they have stitching on both side of the cut line - so both the positive and negative of the die cuts will have the stitching on! Thank you so much for stopping by today, I really do appreciate it. I hope you have a wonderful day! 

22 July 2026

Spellbinders | Dear Santa 2026 Annual Holiday Mega Kit

Hello there, today I have 10 projects to share using the Spellbinders Dear Santa 2026 Annual Holiday Mega Kit. This kit contains tons of products that can be used to create 25+ cards but can be used for other projects too. The video below shows unboxing the kit, shows my projects and also shows how much is left in the kit once I had made my projects (spoiler alert ... there is tons left!). 

PLEASE NOTE: This post contains affiliate links. Please see below for my full disclosure.



I created mini cards, tags and gift card holders today. I used everything in the Spellbinders Dear Santa 2026 Annual Holiday Mega Kit, bar one item (the chipboard frames). Lets have a look what is in the kit:


20 A2 Cards & Envelopes
18 11.5" x 8.5" Sheets of Cardstock
298 Die Cut Ephemera
38 Chipboard Frames & Corners
2 Sheets of Puffy Stickers
2 Sheets of Chipboard Stickers
1 Sheet of Gemstones
6" x 6" Paper Pad (40 sheets, 2 sheets of each design)
Foam Squares + Adhesive Tape

Apart from the cards & envelopes, cardstock, chipboard stickers and adhesive, all the items can be purchased separately, as well as being in the kit. 


First up, I made two mini cards. I used the faux envelopes from the Die Cut Sentiments pack. These have a perforation so that they can be opened to pop things inside but have actual no inside, so you would want to adhere them to something or cover up the back with 2 1/8" x 3 2/8" mini cards like I did - I cut the cards in the kit down and adhered them to the back of the envelopes. The list and sentiments are from the same pack. Santa, the deer and foliage are from the Die Cut Ephemera pack. 


Next up are two tags made using the tags from the Die Cut Sentiments pack. I added DMC Diamant Grande Gold Thread through the tops and tied in bows. The one on the left uses the envelope, postage stamp and holly from the Die Cut Ephemera pack. The seal is from the Die Cut Sentiments pack. The tag on the right uses the postage stamp, coffee cup and foliage from the Die Cut Ephemera pack, and the 25 is from the Die Cut Sentiments pack. 


Next up are two gift card holders. I used the cards in the kit to create mini 2 9/16" x 3 13/16" cards. I rounded the corners using the Spellbinders 2-1 Punch: Corner Rounder & Notch. I then adhered panels of the aqua-blue cardstock in the kit on top. The foliage, pink envelopes, aqua envelope and postage stamp are from the Die Cut Ephemera pack. The 'holiday hugs' sentiment is from the Die Cut Sentiments pack and the 'season's greetings' is from the Chipboard Stickers pack, as well as the hearts. I embellished using the Gemstones pack. 


As you can see, the gift cards fit nicely inside the little gift card holders. I will add some removable adhesive to the back of the gift card and adhere it inside. Since I was making gift card holders, I didn't add that many sentiments onto the fronts of the holders. I didn't think they were necessary for them, but there are lots of sentiments that can be used across all of the products in the kit. 


Next up are two more gift card holders, this time using the pink cardstock in the kit. The green tags are from the Die Cut Sentiments pack. I threaded DMC Diamant Light Gold Thread through them and tied in bows. The 12/25 ticket and the 25 are also from that pack. The bird, foliage, envelope and postage stamp are from the Die Cut Ephemera pack. The embellishments are from the Gemstones pack and then for the holder on the left, I cut one of the banners and popped the gold piece behind the tag. For the holder on the right, I cut the banner part off from one of the rosettes and popped that behind the tag. 


Last but least are two more gift card holders. For both, I created mini tags using the 6" x 6" Paper Pad (using the green tag from the last two holders as a template). I punched a hole at the tops of them and tied with DMC Diamant Light Gold Thread. The foliage, postage stamps, postage circle, Santa and deer are all from the Die Cut Ephemera pack. The embellishments are from the Puffy Stickers pack, as well as the 'you're on the nice list' sentiment. The little banner sticking out from the side of the one on the right is the other part of the one I cut the gold off from.

VIDEO:

Here is the video showing the unboxing of the kit and a look at my projects:


If you are viewing this post via email subscription, you can watch the video HERE on YouTube. 

SUPPLIES:

 

Here are the links to what I have used on the projects. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.


As I say in the video, although ephemera and stickers aren't generally something I use on cards, I do really like using them for tags and little projects like the gift card holders. I also love using them for decorating envelopes and happy mail! Thank you so much for stopping by today, I really do appreciate it. I hope you have a wonderful day! 

21 July 2026

VIDEO | Spellbinders Just Add Cake Garden Party

Hello there, I'm delighted to be over on the Spellbinders YouTube channel sharing two cards using the Garden Party Etched Dies from the Just Add Cake Birthday Cardmaking Kit. 

PLEASE NOTE: This post contains affiliate links. Please see below for my full disclosure.



The first card (left) uses just the products in the Just Add Cake Birthday Cardmaking Kit. I used the Garden Party Etched Dies, Garden Party Shaker Domes, Just Add Cake Sequins, and Just Add Cake Clear Stamp Set (for the sentiment). I used the cardstock in the kit - Blush, Tutu, Beeswax and Rainforest + Chiffon for the card base. 

The second card (right) combines the Garden Party Etched Dies with the mug and hand/arm from Birthday Brew Etched Dies. The sentiment is also from the Just Add Cake Clear Stamp Set. The cardstock colours I used from the kit are Blush, Tutu and Beeswax. I then used other non-kit colours - Peridot, Waterfall, Teal Topaz, Seaside and Alabaster. I also embellished with Pink Color Essentials Gems. 

VIDEO:

Here is the video showing how I made the cards:


If you are viewing this blog post via email subscription, you can watch the video HERE on YouTube. 

For more details on how I made the cards, please visit the Spellbinders Blog. Thank you so much for visiting my blog today, I really do appreciate it. I hope you have a wonderful day! 

20 July 2026

Altenew | Tone-on-Tone Willow Branches

Hello there, today I have a card to share using the Altenew Willow Branches Stencils. Since I was a child, I have loved willow trees. They always felt a little magical to me, I am not sure why! Although I love the traditional greens, for this card, I was thinking along the lines of the Japanese pink willow trees, but instead of using pink, I went with purple!

PLEASE NOTE: This post contains affiliate links. Please see below for my full disclosure.



I started off with a panel of Altenew Crafty Necessities: Glacier Iris Cardstock. I placed the Altenew Willow Branches Stencils on top, one by one, to add ink blending using Mini Blending Brushes with Altenew Enchanted Garden Fresh Dye Inks

I used the following inks for the layers: 
  • Stencil 1 - Wisteria
  • Stencil 2 - Hydrangea
  • Stencil 3 - Ultraviolet
  • Stencil 4 - Andromeda
  • Stencil 5 - Andromeda with a light layer of Jet Black Fresh Dye Ink on top
  • Stencil 6 - Jet Black

I did offset the branches layer slightly, so that I had a slight highlight on the top of the branches. 


To add some interest onto the card, I added splatter in the three different ways: 


The panel was adhered to a US A2 sized white card base using Altenew Glue Tape. I stamped the sentiment from the Altenew Bold Sentiments Stamp Set onto white cardstock using Altenew Obsidian Pigment Ink. It was cut into a strip and the edges 'painted' using a black Fine Liner Pen to cover up the white core.


It was adhered to the card using Altenew Black Instant Dimension Foam Tape. To finish, I embellished with Altenew Clear Iridescent Stellar Sequins

SUPPLIES:

 

Here are the links to what I have used on the project. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.


I really like the tone-on-tone look with the stencilling on top of the light purple cardstock. I think it gives an almost silhouette look to the tree. Thank you so much for stopping by today, I really do appreciate it. I hope you have a wonderful day and a great week ahead! 

18 July 2026

Spellbinders | Upright Italic Happy Holidays

Hello there, I am delighted to be over on the Spellbinders Blog sharing a step by step photo tutorial showing how I made the card below using the new Paul Antonio Upright Italic Happy Holidays Press + Foil Plate. As the name suggests, you can use the plates for either pressing or foiling. I chose pressing for this card. 

PLEASE NOTE: This post contains affiliate links. Please see below for my full disclosure.



I pressed the Spellbinders Upright Italic Happy Holidays Press + Foil Plate onto Spellbinders Seaside ColorWheel Cardstock. Since this cardstock is "normal" cardstock, you don't as much of an impression/letterpress look as you do with Letterpress cardstock but it does still transfer the ink nicely! (Although my camera at the moment is getting a reflection off the black lettering, so they look a little patchy in the photo, they are not in real-life!) 

I pressed an accompanying sentiment from the Spellbinders Mistletoe Greetings Press Plate & Die Set. The cute bird is from Spellbinders Little Birdies Etched Dies, and the foliage from Spellbinders Christmas Cracker Etched Dies. 

SUPPLIES:

 

Here are the links to what I have used on the project. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.


As you can see, the sentiments in this collection (there are three others) are quite large, so they make a big impact on a card, which is nice! For details on how I made the card and for more pictures, please head over to the blog post here. Thank you so much for stopping by today, I hope you have a great day and a wonderful weekend! 

17 July 2026

VIDEO | Simple Summer Sunset Scene with Pinkfresh Studio

Hello there, today I have a card and video to share using the new Pinkfresh Studio Peaceful Pause suite. There is a cling stamp, coordinating die, and stencils and I am using all three products for my card today. I thought I would go quite vibrant with the colours, creating a simple summer sunset for the background. 

PLEASE NOTE: This post contains affiliate links. Please see below for my full disclosure.



I started off by stamping the image from the Pinkfresh Studio Peaceful Pause Cling Stamp onto white cardstock using Pinkfresh Studio Detail Black Ink. I then die cut it out using the Pinkfresh Peaceful Pause Die. Please note that I am only using the main image from stamp on my card, if you were using some of the smaller images as well, you would want to do the stencilling first, then the die cutting. 


I placed the image onto my Pinkfresh Studio EasyBlend Grip Mat and added the stencils on top, one by one, to add ink blending to the image using Blending Brushes. I used all three sizes - 1", 1/2" and 1/4". I used the following ink colours for the image:



I set the image aside to dry while I worked on my sunset background. To a 4.25" x 5.5" panel of white cardstock, I added ink blending using Pinkfresh Studio 1" Blending Brushes. I used (top to bottom) Candy Violet, Bubble Gum, Apricot and Lemon Whip


The panel was adhered to a US A2 sized white card base using glue tape. The image was adhered on top using thin foam tape. I stamped a sentiment from the set onto white cardstock using Pinkfresh Studio Detail Black Ink and cut it into a strip before adhering to the card with thin foam tape. To finish, I embellished with Pinkfresh Studio Champagne Clear Drops

VIDEO:

Here is the video showing how I made the card:


If you are viewing this post via email subscription, you can watch the video HERE on YouTube. 

SUPPLIES:

 

Here are the links to what I have used on the project. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.


Thank you so much for stopping by today, I really do appreciate it. I hope you have a wonderful day! 

16 July 2026

Pinkfresh Studio | Soft Meadows Tag

Hello there, today I have a tag to share using the new Pinkfresh Studio Quiet Moments July 2026 release. This is part of an Instagram hop sharing more inspiration using the new release, but I wanted to share it here too. 

PLEASE NOTE: This post contains affiliate links. Please see below for my full disclosure.


I started off my tag by stamping the new Pinkfresh Studio Soft Meadows Stamp onto Spellbinders Seaside ColorWheel Cardstock using Pinkfresh Studio Detail Black Hybrid Ink. I then placed the Pinkfresh Studio Soft Meadow Stencils on top, one by one, (I did not use the the stencil that creates a background) to add ink blending using Pinkfresh Studio 1/2" Blending Brushes

I used Pinkfresh Studio Detail Black Hybrid Ink for the flower centres and leaves, and Pinkfresh Studio Mermaid Cove Ink for the flowers. The panel was then die cut into a circle using the Pinkfresh Studio Double Stitch Circle Dies. To add some texture to the panel, I ran it back through my die cutting machine with the Pinkfresh Studio Basket Weave Coverplate Die

I die cut the largest of the Pinkfresh Studio Embroidery Hoops Die three times from white cardstock. They were adhered to the stamped piece, one on top of another, using Pinkfresh Studio Precision Clear Craft Glue. I die cut the pin from matte silver cardstock and adhered that behind. I then die cut another of the circles from white cardstock and adhered it to the back. 

I stamped a sentiment from the Pinkfresh Studio Woodland Trails Stamp onto white cardstock using Pinkfresh Studio Detail Black Hybrid Ink. It was die cut out using the Pinkfresh Studio Woodland Trails Sentiments Die and then I die cut the die again twice from white cardstock. They were adhered behind the stamped one and then the whole thing adhered to the tag. To finish, I threaded twine through the top of the tag and tied in a bow and embellished with Pinkfresh Studio Iridescent Dew Drops

SUPPLIES:


Here are the links to what I have used on the project. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.


As mentioned, this is part of a fun Instagram Hop. To follow the hop, you can visit my Instagram page here and Pinkfresh Studio here. Thank you so much for stopping by today, I really do appreciate it! I hope you have a wonderful rest of the day! 

15 July 2026

Pinkfresh Studio | Quiet Moments July 2026 Release Blog Hop

Hello there, I am delighted to be joining Pinkfresh Studio to celebrate the Quiet Moments July 2026 release with a fun blog hop. I have one card to share with you today, but I will also have another tomorrow and another on Friday too! 

PLEASE NOTE: This post contains affiliate links. Please see below for my full disclosure.



For my card today, I am using the new Retro Camp Days suite. The suite consists of a cling stamp, stencils and a coordinating die set for the sentiments. I started off my card by stamping the image from the Pinkfresh Studio Retro Camp Days Stamp onto white cardstock using Pinkfresh Studio Detail Black Hybrid Ink. It was then die cut into a panel using the Pinkfresh Studio Single Stitch Rectangle Dies


I placed the panel onto the new Pinkfresh Studio EasyBlend Grip Mat and then placed the Pinkfresh Studio Retro Camp Days Stencils on top, one by one, to add ink blending to the image using Pinkfresh Studio Blending Brushes in 1" (for the sky and ground), 1/2" and 1/4"


I used the following inks for the different areas: 


The panel was adhered to a US A2 sized white card base. I then stamped the sentiment from the Pinkfresh Studio Woodland Trails Stamp onto white cardstock using Pinkfresh Studio Detail Black Hybrid Ink. It was die cut out using the coordinating die and the die cut again twice from more white cardstock. They were adhered behind the stamped one and then adhered to the card. To finish,  embellished with Pinkfresh Studio Iridescent Dew Drops

BLOG HOP:


As mentioned, this post is part of  a fun, inspirational blog hop. Please click on the other participants below to visit their blogs. 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

GIVEAWAY:

Pinkfresh Studio will give away ten $50 gift cards along the hop, selected from the comments left along the hop at random. They will also give away the full release over on the Pinkfresh Studio blog and YouTube Channel. Winners will be announced on the Pinkfresh Studio Giveaway Page on 22nd July 2026. Please make sure to check if you are a winner and claim your prize within two weeks.

SUPPLIES:

 

Here are the links to what I have used on the project. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.


Thank you so much for stopping by today, I really do appreciate it. I hope you have a great time on the rest of the hop and a wonderful day! 
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