This was a fun card to create! I used the Lakeside Retreat collection with a sweet camera to capture the memories of summer. It reminds me of a peaceful day by the lake full of the best memories.
I adjusted the circle to fit a bit larger image to highlight this.
Here's a fun reel
If you love making cards but don’t always have hours to spend in your craft room, One Sheet Wonder cardmaking might just become your new favourite technique. With a single sheet of patterned paper, you can create a whole stack of coordinating cards — quickly, efficiently, and beautifully.
This is one of those projects that feels both productive and creative, which is always a win.
The beauty of a One Sheet Wonder is in its simplicity. One piece of Designer Series Paper does all the heavy lifting — colour, pattern, and coordination are already built in.
It’s perfect for:
batch cardmaking
building up a card stash
using and enjoying your DSP
crafting when time is limited
Letting the Paper Shine
With One Sheet Wonder cards, the layouts are designed to highlight the paper. This is a wonderful way to really see the beauty in your paper
One Sheet Wonder projects are wonderfully flexible. You can:
add or remove layers
keep cards simple or dress them up
use sentiments to fit multiple occasions
make a lovely package of cards for gift giving
The base cuts stay the same, but the finished cards can be as clean or as detailed as you like.
It’s a great way to recreate the entire stack with confidence and adapt it to your own favourite papers.
Once you try a One Sheet Wonder, it’s hard to stop. It’s efficient, satisfying, and a fantastic reminder that beautiful cards don’t have to be complicated.
If you’re looking for a fun, fast way to make a batch of cards while truly enjoying your paper, this technique is well worth adding to your cardmaking toolbox.
Tips for success:
Non directional paper, a two sided paper which works well together, have your cardbases precut and scored, choosing to use all the same colour, Classic One Sheet Wonder, or experiment with a couple different choices. Sentiments stamped, a few bows tied, and any elements you want to add to the layouts, prepped.
There are many different patterns to cut your paper, I loved the simple "cut in strips and rotate" way of this one by Karen Titus back from 2021
This is one of those techniques that makes you stop and say, “Why didn’t I try this sooner?”
Tinfoil has a natural shine that catches the light in all the right ways. When it’s embossed, the raised areas reflect light beautifully, instantly adding depth and interest without needing extra layers, inks, or embellishments.
For Christmas cards especially, that subtle shine feels just right — reminiscent of snow, frost, or metallic holiday décor.
Running tinfoil through an embossing folder creates bold texture with very little effort. Snowflakes, winter patterns, or classic designs all translate beautifully onto foil, giving you a professional-looking background in seconds.
This technique is:
quick and beginner-friendly
budget-conscious
perfect for batch cardmaking
easy to adapt for different styles
Because the background has so much texture and shine, the rest of the card can stay clean and uncomplicated. A simple sentiment, a focal image, or a touch of greenery is often all you need to finish it off.
This is a great reminder that sometimes letting one element shine is all a card needs.
If you’re inspired to try this technique, here are a few ideas:
use different embossing folders for varied looks
pair foil with classic Christmas colours like red, green, navy, or white
try smaller foil panels for accents instead of full backgrounds
layer foil over cardstock for added stability
Each variation gives the technique a whole new personality.
This is one of those ideas you’ll come back to again and again — not just for Christmas, but for winter cards, elegant occasions, and even modern designs throughout the year.
It’s simple, creative, and a wonderful reminder that beautiful cardmaking doesn’t require fancy supplies — just a little curiosity and a willingness to experiment.
I hope this inspires you to look at everyday items with fresh eyes and turn the ordinary into something special in your craft room.
smiles,
Laurie
The More Than Autumn stamp set is often thought of as purely seasonal for fall, but that wonderful cup image has so much potential beyond pumpkins and leaves. With a few thoughtful choices, it moves beautifully right into Christmas.
For the fall card, the coffee cup takes centre stage, paired with softly stamped leaves and warm autumn tones. The design leans into everything we love about the season — cozy drinks, rich colours, and simple layers that let the images shine.
This style of card is perfect for:
fall greetings
thank-you cards
thinking-of-you mail
or just sending a little warmth to someone’s mailbox
It’s a reminder that sometimes less really is more — especially when the stamps themselves do the storytelling.
Using the same coffee cup image, the card shifts effortlessly into Christmas by adding elements from Delicate Pines. Pine cones, snowflakes, and winter greenery instantly change the mood.
Classic Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive bring that timeless Christmas feel — cozy, traditional, and full of warmth. The result is a card that still feels inviting, but now whispers Christmas mornings, evergreen branches, and mugs wrapped in both hands on cold days.
This is one of my favourite ways to design:
reuse the focal image
change the supporting stamps
let colour do the seasonal work
Stretching your stamp sets isn’t about limiting creativity — it’s about unlocking it.
When you look at an image and ask:
What season could this become with different colours?
What supporting stamps would change the story?
You start seeing possibilities everywhere.
One cup. So many seasons. Endless options.
If you’re inspired to try this yourself:
Keep the layout the same
Swap colours and accents
Pull in seasonal textures (leaves vs. pine cones, warmth vs. sparkle)
It’s a wonderful exercise in creative confidence — and a great reminder that you already have more than enough supplies to make something beautiful.
Thanks for crafting along with me. I hope this inspires you to look at your stamp sets with fresh eyes — and maybe a warm drink close by.
smiles,
Laurie
Sometimes the best cards come together with just a few simple elements — a favourite stamp, a cozy colour, and a touch of texture. That’s exactly what happened with today’s card, featuring the coffee cup from the More Than Autumn stamp set and a few softly stamped leaves.
This one came together easily, and I have to say — I love how warm and inviting it feels.
The coffee cup was coloured quickly using Stampin’ Blends in Pumpkin Pie. Making it feel like your favourite latte on a chilly day.
Then, I added a few stamped leaves for that classic autumn look. The beauty of this design is in its simplicity — the soft layering of colour and the way everything coordinates naturally.
To make the whole card pop, I added a back layer of contrasting cardstock and ran that through an embossing folder. It’s amazing how a simple mat layer can make your design look complete and polished — like a frame for your artwork!
This project is a reminder that you don’t need complicated techniques or tons of supplies to make something special. Sometimes, a simple stamp set, a few favourite inks, and 15 minutes are all it takes to create a handmade card that makes someone’s day.
It’s quick, cozy, and perfect for fall — whether you’re sending a note to a friend, a thank-you, or just a little hello.
And if you try this layout, don’t forget to tag me at #ActOfStamping so I can see your beautiful fall creations.
smiles,
Laurie
Easy fall card idea using a 3D embossing folder! Add texture and warmth to your handmade cards with this cozy coffee-themed project from #ActOfStamping.
When the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, I always find myself reaching for warm colours, rich textures, and a good cup of coffee. This card is inspired by that cozy fall feeling — the kind that makes you want to craft with a latte by your side.
For today’s card, I paired a 3D embossing folder with coffee cup stamps to create a warm and layered background that’s full of texture and dimension. The embossing folder adds instant “wow”
Pin it to keep the idea for later when you're crafting your own Just for You Fall card!
smiles,
Laurie
One of the best parts about holiday crafting is finding little tricks that save time — without sacrificing the sparkle. Today I’m sharing a fun way to stretch your Christmas glimmer paper: cut it once, and you’ll have enough to make two beautiful cards!
(Confession time: if you follow my instructions you’ll get it right… if you follow what I did in the moment, you might end up with a laugh instead of two perfect cards. 😉 But that’s part of the fun of crafting, isn’t it?)
✨ Double the cards from one cut
✨ Gorgeous shimmer without waste
✨ Quick and easy for holiday cardmaking marathons
✨ Perfect for mass-producing Christmas cards
I’ll walk you through the cutting trick step by step in my video tutorial, then show you how to put together two pretty, sparkly Christmas cards that are ready to mail or gift this season. A little shimmer goes a long way — and with this method, you’ll see just how far your glimmer paper can stretch.
Grab your glimmer paper, your favorite holiday stamps, and a paper trimmer. With one quick cut, you’ll be on your way to two fabulous Christmas cards — full of shine, texture, and that special handmade touch. Watch past my first cut to get to the correct (perhaps obvious) way to cut the two pieces at the same time for a perfect match.
Let’s make this season sparkle — one card (or two!) at a time. 🎄💌
smiles,
Laurie
✨ Pin this idea for later! If you’re looking for handmade Christmas card ideas, this glimmer paper hack is perfect for saving time. Learn how one cut can create two beautiful holiday cards that sparkle and shine — quick, easy, and oh-so festive!
One of the quickest ways to add instant wow to your handmade cards is with an embossing folder. With just a simple pass through your machine, you can transform plain cardstock into something full of texture, detail, and dimension. Panels of embossed paper can give even the most basic layouts a polished, professional look. Sometimes all it takes is the right texture in the right place to make your card really pop!
In today’s project, I’m sharing two ways to use a 3D embossing folder. Simple enough and you can completely transform your cardmaking. I’ll show how these techniques achieve very different looks. And take your Embossing folders from background enhancers to Focus point!
✨ What you’ll see in this tutorial:
Simple card layouts that let your embossed panels shine
A few techniques to highlight those gorgeous raised details
How the right paper + ink + embossing combo delivers maximum impact
Whether you’re brand-new to embossing or looking for fresh ideas, these cards will inspire you to pull out your folders and give them another look. They’re the perfect way to stretch your supplies and step up your cardmaking with very little effort.
So grab some cardstock, your favorite embossing folder, and let’s get crafting — you’ll be amazed at how quickly your cards go from simple to stunning!
smiles,
Laurie
Falling leaves from the Textured Notes was never more easy to achieve.
smiles,
Laurie
I kept the layout super simple (something everyone can try!) and let the colouring and monochromatic tones do the work. A stamped sentiment, a little layering, and just like that—you’ve got a beautiful card that’s ready to send a smile to someone special.
To create the background stamping, I even shared an easy hack, complete with an adjustment you might need to make to have it work!
This card reminded me that even floral sets can be dressed up for any season just by playing with colours. Lost Lagoon gave me the cozy fall feel I was looking for while still keeping things fresh and elegant.
💌 Have you tried making “fall-ish” cards with non-traditional stamp sets? I’d love to hear what colours or bundles you reach for!
smiles,
Laurie
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I have been pulling out lots of older sets lately, shopping my own stash, so to speak. Loving using what I have curated over the years as a demo!
My recurring monthly club is a community of stampers that are demos and customers alike, all keen on using what they have and making cards together on a weekly basis with a zoom meeting. Either in person or with a recording and a pdf to work with.
Our private facebook group is a source of gathering to share inspiration, ideas and our cardmaking, while we form friendships. You are welcome to become part of it all. hope you're curious enough to ask me more about it!
smiles,
Laurie
What combo have you used recently that you loved the result?
smiles,
Laurie
3 1/4 x 4 3/4 Basic White panel with a smattering of Pretty in Pink inked flowers. Accented with a lovely butterfly coloured with Azure Afternoon Blends, matted on Basic Black and mounted at an angle on a cardbase. Perfect for beginners or experts.
All stamps from an older wood mounted set called Butterfly of Happiness, circa 2008
I love using sets that I have procured in the 23 years I've been a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.
Do you have an older favourite htat would work with this layout?
You should pull it out and stamp it up! 💗
post it over on the Public Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1062798050787275
smiles,
Laurie
Ready to make your card backgrounds steal the show? In this video, I’m sharing a gorgeous technique using white craft ink refill and templates to create a soft, dreamy bokeh effect that’s perfect for layering your greetings, sentiments, or focal images. It’s elegant, eye-catching, and totally do-able!
✂️ What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to use white craft ink and templates to achieve a bokeh-style background
✅ Tips to blend softly and build beautiful, glowing layers
Since we made our own DIY Black Memento Ink Pads from the blank Craft White ink pad, we have the extra bottle of white Craft ink refill, so looking for ways to work with it pairs nicely with this Texture technique today!
Grab your blending tools and get ready to add a little extra magic to your next card.
💬 Question of the Day: Have you ever tried the bokeh technique in cardmaking? Tell me how it went in the comments!
PS Bokeh is pronounced like a bouquet of flowers! who knew?! : D
smiles,
Laurie
Welcome back to Tuesday Textures, where we explore all the fun ways to add depth and interest to your cards!
This week’s technique? Wax paper resist—an easy, playful way to create a stunning background using wax paper, ink, and your trusty blending brushes. The result? A textured masterpiece that looks fancy, but is totally beginner-friendly.
Using wax paper as a resist with ink is a fun idea. I've been a demo for 23 years ago, and long before we were using the Cut and Emboss machine, we used this technique to create some fun backgrounds to work with just by crumpling the paper.
I suppose I've always loved texture techniques!
Grab your supplies and play!
smiles,
Laurie
I love how this card turned out! Creating a fun ocean scene using blending brushes for the background and layering stamps over top for a whimsical, eye-catching result. The twist? We’re ditching the typical blues and using non-traditional colors inspired by a recent Paper Pumpkin kit—because sometimes the best scenes come from unexpected palettes!
✂️ What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to use blending brushes to create soft, dreamy backgrounds
✅ Tips for stamping scenes over ink-blended layers
✅ How Paper Pumpkin can spark creative ideas with color and theme
If you haven’t tried Paper Pumpkin yet—it’s creativity in a box delivered right to your door! Let me help you get set up with a no commitment subscription today!
smiles,
Laurie
An abundance of techniques can be used with tree stamps and leaves. They are a natural (pun intended) for several classic creative ways to create backgrounds and main panels.
I showcase several cards from this series and my Lives. Like the Babywipe technique with leaves and heat embossed. So fabulous. Getting inky and using trees for silhouettes, yes!
I love creating this little scene and versamarking the entire image to clear emboss over. I've always said, it's no wonder my Versamark pad is not very pristine : /
Trees also are amazing starting point for a Masculine card!
smiles,
Laurie
