January 2026 – Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo

Made With Love – Birthday Card Design.

Made With Love – Birthday Card Design. Mini Alphabet Dies – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK

Creating handmade birthday cards is such a lovely way to show someone you care, and today I’m sharing a simple but eye-catching Made With Love – Birthday Card Design. This design is clean, bold, and easy to adapt, making it perfect for batch card making or when you want something stylish without lots of layers.

Both cards use the same layout but with the colours swapped around, proving just how versatile this design can be.

Made With Love - Birthday Card Design. Mini Alphabet Dies - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - Lincoln UK — Made With Love – Birthday Card Design. Mini Alphabet Dies – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK

Mini Alphabet Die Sentiment

The “Happy Birthday” sentiment on both cards is created using mini alphabet dies, which add a fun, modern look to the card front. I love how alphabet dies allow you to customise your cards and create sentiments that really stand out.

For the first card, the base is Strawberry Slush, with the sentiment die cut in Real Red. The large heart is also cut from Strawberry Slush, keeping the look coordinated while still allowing the sentiment to pop.

On the second card, the colours are reversed. This time, the Real Red card base creates a bold frame, with the sentiment cut from Strawberry Slush. The heart is cut in Real Red, tying everything together beautifully. Swapping the colours gives a completely different feel while using exactly the same layout.

Made with Love Designer Series Paper

The patterned strips at the top and bottom of each card are cut from the Made with Love Designer Series Paper. This DSP is perfect for birthday cards, especially when you want something cheerful, bright, and full of heart. The repeating heart patterns add interest without overpowering the focal sentiment.

Using DSP in narrow strips like this is a great way to use up smaller pieces while still making a big impact on your card design.

Finishing Touches

To finish off each card, I added shiny red heart confetti from my stash. These tiny embellishments add just the right amount of sparkle and dimension, catching the light beautifully without distracting from the main design.

This is a great reminder that you don’t always need fancy embellishments—sometimes those little leftover pieces in your stash are exactly what a card needs.

A Versatile Birthday Card Layout

This layout is one you’ll want to save and use again. It works brilliantly with different colour combinations, sentiments, and patterned papers, making it a go-to design for birthdays throughout the year. You could easily change the colours to suit the recipient or swap the sentiment for another occasion.

If you enjoy clean designs with bold sentiments and a touch of pattern, this card style is definitely one to try.

Thank You for Stopping By!

I hope you enjoyed this papercrafting project and found it inspiring! Below, you’ll find a supply list linked to my online shop and a video tutorial to guide you step by step. You can also check out my Basic Craft Products, which include the essential tools I use regularly.

Product List

Strawberry Slush A4 Cardstock £14.00	Real Red A4 Card Stock £14.00	Made With Love 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper £11.75
Mini Alphabet Dies £29.00	Endless Love Bundle (English) £41.25	Loose Valentine's Assortment £7.50

Join the Crafting Fun!
Stay connected and get more creative inspiration by following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. I also run a Facebook Group where we share projects, exchange ideas, and chat about all things crafty. I’d love for you to join and share your creations!

Online Card Club – Each month in my Facebook Group, we make three beautiful cards and a 3D project. It’s a fun and interactive way to craft together. Click here for all the details.

In-Person Crafting Classes – If you’re in North Lincoln, come craft with me in a friendly, hands-on session. Click here for upcoming dates and details.

Request a Craft Catalogue – Want a copy of the latest catalogue? Simply click the Contact Me button, and I’ll send one your way. And don’t forget—you can shop online 24/7 from the comfort of your home.

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or on my YouTube channel—your feedback means the world to me.

Until next time, Enjoy Being Creative!
Ashee xx

Valentine Heart Shaker Card – Endless Love

Valentine Heart Shaker Card – Endless Love – Made with Love – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK.

A Fun and Interactive Valentine Card Idea

If you’re looking for a Valentine card that really makes an impact, this Valentine Heart Shaker Card – Endless Love is a perfect choice. Shaker cards are always a favourite, and the heart-shaped window filled with confetti adds movement, texture and plenty of wow factor.

This design is ideal for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or simply sending a little love to someone special.

Valentine Heart Shaker Card - Endless Love - Made with Love - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - Lincoln UK. — Valentine Heart Shaker Card – Endless Love – Made with Love – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK.

Endless Love Stamp & Die Set

For this card, I used the Endless Love stamp set along with the matching die set, which made creating the heart-shaped shaker window quick and easy. The coordinating dies give such a clean finish and are perfect for shaker-style cards where precision really matters.

The sentiment sits neatly on the front, keeping the design simple while still letting the shaker element shine.

Colour Palette and Designer Series Paper

I chose a classic Valentine colour combination of Flirty Flamingo and Real Red, which works beautifully for love-themed cards. The soft pink tones paired with bold red create a lovely contrast without overpowering the design.

The Made with Love Designer Series Paper adds subtle pattern and interest behind the shaker window, helping to frame the heart and enhance the overall look of the card.

Heart Shaker Details

The shaker heart is filled with heart-shaped confetti from my personal stash. Using a mix of sizes and shades gives the shaker lots of movement and makes it extra eye-catching when the card is tilted. Shaker cards are such a fun way to add interactivity, and they’re always a hit with the recipient.

This design is simple enough to recreate but looks really effective once finished.

measurements

Thick Basic White Cardstock – A6 Card Base – This is an A4 sheet cut in half and then folded in half.
Flirty Flamingo Cardstock – 14.35cm x 10cm
Made with Love designer series paper (DSP) – 14.35cm X 10cm X 2 pieces

A Lovely Card for Any Occasion

Although this card is perfect for Valentine’s Day, it would also work beautifully for anniversaries, weddings, or just to send a heartfelt message to someone you love. Changing up the colours or sentiment would easily adapt this design for other occasions too.

Thank You for Stopping By!

Product List

Flirty Flamingo A4 Cardstock £14.00	Made With Love 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper £11.75	Window Sheets £4.75
Endless Love Bundle (English) £41.25	Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad £8.50	Loose Valentine's Assortment £7.50

Online Card Club – Each month in my Facebook Group, we make three beautiful cards and a 3D project. It’s a fun and interactive way to craft together. Click here for all the details.

In-Person Crafting Classes – If you’re in North Lincoln, come craft with me in a friendly, hands-on session. Click here for upcoming dates and details.

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or on my YouTube channel—your feedback means the world to me.

Until next time, Enjoy Being Creative!
Ashee xx

Make a Sweet Valentine Bag

Make a Sweet Valentine Bag. Bee Mine. Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to create something thoughtful, handmade, and filled with a little treat – and this sweet Valentine bag ticks all the boxes! It’s quick to make, requires no cutting at all, and is ideal for holding chocolates or small gifts for someone special.

Whether you’re crafting for a partner, friend, child, or even as a party favour, this is a fun and easy project that looks far more complicated than it actually is.

Make a Sweet Valentine Bag. Bee Mine. Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - Lincoln UK. — Make a Sweet Valentine Bag. Bee Mine. Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK.

A No-Cut Bag That’s Perfect for Gifting

One of the things I love most about this project is just how simple it is to put together. With no cutting required, this bag comes together in minutes, making it ideal for batch crafting when you need several gifts in a hurry.

The structure is sturdy enough to hold chocolates and small treats, while still looking elegant and polished. It’s a great option if you’re short on time but still want to give something handmade.

Bee Valentine Stamp Set – Sweet and Sentimental

The sentiment on the front of the bag comes from the Bee Valentine stamp set. It’s a lovely choice for Valentine projects, with sentiments that feel warm, cheerful, and heartfelt without being overly fussy.

Stamped onto a simple label, the greeting becomes the perfect focal point and keeps the overall design clean and uncluttered.

Made with Love Designer Series Paper

The Made with Love DSP really does live up to its name. The heart patterns and bold Valentine colours instantly set the tone and remove the need for extra embellishment.

Using patterned paper like this is a great way to make a project stand out while still keeping it quick and easy. The paper does most of the work for you!

measurements

Made with Love designer series paper (DSP) – 9 1/2″ X 6″ scored:
- On the 9 1/2″ side at 4″ from either end
- On the 6″ side at 1 1/2″ from either end.

Perfect for Chocolates and Small Treats

This bag is just the right size for holding chocolates or other small goodies, making it ideal for:

Valentine’s Day gifts
Classroom or party favours
Handmade gifts for friends and family

It’s also a brilliant project for beginners or anyone who enjoys quick, satisfying makes.

Thank You for Stopping By!

Product List

Real Red A4 Card Stock £14.00	Made With Love 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper £11.75	Labeled With Love Punch £24.00	Endless Love Dies £27.00
Bee Builder Punch £25.00	Bee My Valentine Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) £20.00	Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad £8.50

Online Card Club – Each month in my Facebook Group, we make three beautiful cards and a 3D project. It’s a fun and interactive way to craft together. Click here for all the details.

In-Person Crafting Classes – If you’re in North Lincoln, come craft with me in a friendly, hands-on session. Click here for upcoming dates and details.

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or on my YouTube channel—your feedback means the world to me.

Until next time, Enjoy Being Creative!
Ashee xx

Make this Sweet Valentine’s Card With Me.

Make this Sweet Valentine’s card with me. Bee Mine. Crafting with Ashee. Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to get crafty, and today I’m sharing this sweet and cheerful handmade Valentine card featuring the adorable Bee Mine stamp set from Stampin’ Up!

This design is bright, happy, and full of charm – ideal for spreading a little handmade love to someone special.

Make this Sweet Valentine's card with me. Bee Mine. Crafting with Ashee. Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - Lincoln UK. — Make this Sweet Valentine’s card with me. Bee Mine. Crafting with Ashee. Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK.

A Bright and Happy Colour Combination

I’ve created two versions of this card using different colour palettes, and I love how each one gives the design a completely different feel.

The first card uses Crushed Curry cardstock, which adds warmth and sunshine to the project. The bold yellow background works beautifully with the bee image and really makes the card feel joyful and uplifting.

The second version is made using Balmy Blue cardstock, giving the same layout a softer, calmer look. This cooler tone still feels fun and fresh while offering a lovely contrast to the brighter version.

Both cards show just how versatile this design can be when you switch up the colours.

Beautiful Designer Series Paper

For both cards, I’ve used Designer Series Paper from the family packs, which include all the Stampin’ Up! colours. These packs are fantastic for cardmakers because they make it so easy to coordinate your projects perfectly.

The subtle patterns in the DSP add interest to the background without overwhelming the focal point, allowing the stamped images and sentiment to really shine.

Bee Mine Stamp Set and Matching Punch

The star of today’s card is the Bee Mine stamp set, paired with its matching Bee punch. This combination makes crafting quick, easy, and fun, especially if you enjoy making multiple cards.

The cute bee image is perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or even just sending a happy note to brighten someone’s day. The coordinating punch ensures clean, professional-looking results every time.

measurements

Crushed Curry / Balmy Blue A6 Card Base – This is an A4 sheet cut in half and then folded in half.
Basic White Cardstock – 14.35cm X 10cm X 2 pieces
Crushed Curry / Balmy Blue designer series paper (DSP) 13.85cm X 9.5cm

A Layout You Can Use Again and Again

One of the things I love most about this card is how simple and adaptable the layout is. Once you’ve made one, you’ll want to recreate it in lots of different colours and themes.

It’s a great design for:

Valentine’s cards
Love and friendship cards
Quick handmade cards when time is short

Just change the sentiment or DSP, and you have a completely new look.

Thank You for Stopping By!

Product List

Balmy Blue A4 Cardstock £14.00	Card Stock A4 Crushed Curry £14.00	Regals 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper £11.75	Subtles 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper £11.75
Tags To Go Dies £21.00	Bee Builder Punch £25.00	Labeled With Love Punch £24.00	Bee My Valentine Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) £20.00
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad £7.50	Balmy Blue Classic Stampin' Pad £8.50	Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad £8.50	Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad £8.50

Online Card Club – Each month in my Facebook Group, we make three beautiful cards and a 3D project. It’s a fun and interactive way to craft together. Click here for all the details.

In-Person Crafting Classes – If you’re in North Lincoln, come craft with me in a friendly, hands-on session. Click here for upcoming dates and details.

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or on my YouTube channel—your feedback means the world to me.

Until next time, Enjoy Being Creative!
Ashee xx

Pretty Florals Monochromatic Birthday Card – Easy Make

Pretty Florals Monochromatic Birthday Card – Easy Make – Pretty Florals – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK

If you love creating cards that are stylish yet simple, this Pretty Florals Monochromatic Birthday Card is the perfect project. Using a single colour family is a great way to achieve a cohesive, elegant look, and it also makes crafting decisions so much easier!

For this card, I’ve chosen Berry Burst as the main colour. It’s vibrant, cheerful, and ideal for birthday cards that really pop.

Pretty Florals Monochromatic Birthday Card - Easy Make - Pretty Florals - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - Lincoln UK — Pretty Florals Monochromatic Birthday Card – Easy Make – Pretty Florals – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK

Monochromatic Design with Impact

The background features Designer Series Paper from the family packs, which include all the Stampin’ Up! colours. Staying within the Berry Burst colour family keeps the design unified while still allowing variation and interest through pattern and tone.

Monochromatic cards are fantastic when you want something eye-catching without overwhelming the design, and this one proves just how effective that approach can be.

Pretty Florals Two-Step Stamping

The floral images come from the Pretty Florals stamp set, paired with the matching dies for easy cutting and clean results. This is a two-step stamp set, which makes it simple to add depth and detail to the flowers. Layering the images creates beautiful dimension without needing complicated techniques, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced crafters.

The florals add softness and movement to the card while keeping the overall design balanced and uncluttered.

Clean and Simple Sentiment

The sentiment is taken from the Encircled with Love stamp set and cut out using the matching punch. I love how this sentiment stands out against the patterned background while still complementing the monochromatic theme. The circular shape draws the eye to the centre of the card and ties everything together beautifully.

This combination makes the card versatile, quick to assemble, and perfect for batch-making when you need birthday cards ready to go.

measurements

Berry Burst Cardstock – A6 Card Base – This is an A4 sheet cut in half and then folded in half.
Basic White Cardstock – 14.35cm X 10cm X 2 pieces
Berry Burst DSP – 13.85cm X 9.5cm.

A Quick and Easy Birthday Card Idea

This card is a great example of how you can create something striking with minimal supplies and effort. By focusing on colour, pattern, and simple layering, you can achieve a polished look that works for almost any birthday recipient.

If you enjoy quick makes that don’t compromise on style, this design is definitely one to save and recreate.

Thank You for Stopping By!

Product List

Berry Burst A4 Cardstock £14.00	Bubble Bath A4 Cardstock £14.00	Regals 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper £11.75	Pretty Florals Bundle £47.50
2 3/8" (6 Cm) Circle Punch £24.00	1 7/8" (4.8 Cm) Circle Punch £24.00	Encircled With Love Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) £19.00	Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad £8.50
Bubble Bath Classic Stampin' Pad £8.50	Berry Burst Classic Stampin' Pad £8.50	Rhinestone Basic Jewels £5.75

Online Card Club – Each month in my Facebook Group, we make three beautiful cards and a 3D project. It’s a fun and interactive way to craft together. Click here for all the details.

In-Person Crafting Classes – If you’re in North Lincoln, come craft with me in a friendly, hands-on session. Click here for upcoming dates and details.

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or on my YouTube channel—your feedback means the world to me.

Until next time, Enjoy Being Creative!
Ashee xx

Thinking of You Card. Stamp on Patterned Paper. Make it Now.

Thinking of You Card. Stamp on Patterned Paper. Make it Now. Peaceful View – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK.

Sometimes the simplest techniques create the most striking cards, and today’s Thinking of You cards are a perfect example of that. By stamping directly onto patterned paper, you can achieve depth, atmosphere, and impact with very little effort – ideal for quick makes or batch card making.

For these cards, I’ve used the Peaceful View stamp set. This is a single, beautifully detailed stamp that does all the hard work for you. The silhouetted scene creates instant drama and works wonderfully when stamped straight onto designer series paper.

Thinking of You Card. Stamp on Patterned Paper. Make it Now. Peaceful View - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - Lincoln UK. — Thinking of You Card. Stamp on Patterned Paper. Make it Now. Peaceful View – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK.

Stamp on Patterned Paper for Instant Impact

Both cards feature Beautiful Bokeh DSP, which provides a soft, dreamy background that really enhances the silhouette image. Stamping directly onto patterned paper saves time and allows the background to shine through, adding texture and interest without extra layers.

The first card uses Calypso Coral tones, stamped in Night of Navy. This combination creates a softer, almost twilight feel while still keeping the image bold and defined.

For the second card, I switched to Daffodil Delight DSP and stamped the image in Memento Tuxedo Black. This gives a stronger contrast and a brighter, uplifting look, showing just how versatile this single stamp can be.

A Simple Sentiment Finishes the Card

To keep the focus on the stamped scene, I added a small sentiment from the Greetings for You ephemera pack. These pre-cut sentiments are perfect when you want a clean, polished finish without extra stamping or die cutting.

Both cards are ideal for sending a thoughtful message, whether someone needs a little encouragement or you simply want to let them know you’re thinking of them.

Measurements

Calypso Coral / Daffodil Delight Cardstock – A6 Card Base – This is an A4 sheet cut in half and then folded in half.
Basic White Cardstock – 14.35cm X 10cm X 2 pieces
Beautiful Bokeh designer series paper (DSP) – 13.85cm X 9.5cm

Why This Card Design Works

This design is:

Quick to make
Beginner friendly
Perfect for using up DSP
Easy to customise with different colour combinations

Try changing the DSP or ink colour to suit the season, or make a small batch in different colours to keep on hand for those moments when you need a card quickly.

Thank You for Stopping By!

Product List

Daffodil Delight A4 Card Stock £14.00	Calypso Coral A4 Card Stock £14.00	Beautiful Bokeh 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper £11.75	Greetings For You Mix & Match Ephemera Pack (English) £8.00
Peaceful View Cling Stamp Set £19.00	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad £7.50	Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad £8.50

Online Card Club – Each month in my Facebook Group, we make three beautiful cards and a 3D project. It’s a fun and interactive way to craft together. Click here for all the details.

In-Person Crafting Classes – If you’re in North Lincoln, come craft with me in a friendly, hands-on session. Click here for upcoming dates and details.

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or on my YouTube channel—your feedback means the world to me.

Until next time, Enjoy Being Creative!
Ashee xx

Make Quick Birthday Cards – Layered Thoughts

Make Quick Birthday Cards – Layered Thoughts – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK

If you’re looking for a fast and stylish way to create birthday cards, today’s project is perfect for you. These quick birthday cards using the Layered Thoughts stamp set are bright, cheerful, and ideal when you need something eye-catching without lots of fiddly steps.

The bold, hand-drawn style of the sentiment really does all the work, making these cards suitable for all ages and easy to batch make too.

Make Quick Birthday Cards - Layered Thoughts - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - Lincoln UK — Make Quick Birthday Cards – Layered Thoughts – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK

Bright Colour Combinations That Pop

For this pair of cards, I’ve used two fresh and fun colour combinations.

The first card features Strawberry Slush cardstock, which adds a vibrant pop of colour and instantly gives the card a celebratory feel. The second card uses Summer Splash cardstock, creating a lighter, fresher look while still keeping things bold and modern.

Both cards are layered with Designer Series Paper from the family packs, which include all the Stampin’ Up! colours. These packs are brilliant for mixing and matching and make it so easy to coordinate your projects perfectly.

Make Quick Birthday Cards - Layered Thoughts - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - Lincoln UKvv — Make Quick Birthday Cards – Layered Thoughts – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK

Simple Layers, Big Impact

The layered layout keeps these cards clean and uncluttered while still adding plenty of interest. Embossed white cardstock forms a subtle background, allowing the colour layers and sentiment to really stand out.

The Layered Thoughts stamp set is the star of the show. The large “Happy Birthday” sentiment fills the panel beautifully and is ideal when you want a bold focal point without extra stamping.

On the Strawberry Slush card, I’ve added a little extra detail using ephemera from the Good Times pack. These small embellishments are perfect for adding personality and texture while keeping the design quick and simple.

Perfect for Everyday Crafting

These cards are great for:

Last-minute birthday cards
Batch crafting
Beginner papercrafters
Using up DSP scraps
Quick card club projects

They also adapt easily to different occasions—just switch out the sentiment and colours to suit your needs.

If you enjoy making cards that are simple, stylish, and practical, this is definitely a layout worth saving.

Thank You for Stopping By!

Product List

Strawberry Slush A4 Cardstock £14.00	Summer Splash A4 Cardstock £14.00	Subtles 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper £11.75	Regals 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper £11.75
Beautiful Pattern 3 D Embossing Folder £10.00	Textured Notes Dies £29.00	Layered Thoughts Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) £19.00	Strawberry Slush Classic Stampin' Pad £8.50
Summer Splash Classic Stampin Pad £8.50	Rhinestone Basic Jewels £5.75	Good Times Mix & Match Ephemera Pack £6.75

Online Card Club – Each month in my Facebook Group, we make three beautiful cards and a 3D project. It’s a fun and interactive way to craft together. Click here for all the details.

In-Person Crafting Classes – If you’re in North Lincoln, come craft with me in a friendly, hands-on session. Click here for upcoming dates and details.

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or on my YouTube channel—your feedback means the world to me.

Until next time, Enjoy Being Creative!
Ashee xx

How to Create a Bold Thank You Card.

How to Create a Bold Thank You Card. – Thanking You – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK.

Sometimes a simple design with strong colours can create the biggest impact, and today’s bold thank you cards are a perfect example of that. These cards are quick to make, full of contrast, and ideal to keep on hand for any occasion where a heartfelt thank you is needed.

For this project, I’ve focused on combining heat embossing with patterned paper, allowing the sentiment to really shine while the background adds interest and texture.

How to Create a Bold Thank You Card. - Thanking You - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - Lincoln UK. — How to Create a Bold Thank You Card. – Thanking You – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK.

White Heat Embossing for Maximum Impact

The sentiment on both cards is stamped using the Thanking You stamp set and white heat embossed directly onto patterned paper. Heat embossing instantly elevates a card design, giving the sentiment a crisp, professional finish and a lovely raised texture.

White embossing works particularly well here as it stands out beautifully against the darker patterned papers, creating that bold, eye-catching look without needing lots of extra layers or embellishments.

Beautiful Bokeh Patterned Paper

Both cards feature Beautiful Bokeh DSP, which adds a soft, dreamy background while still allowing the sentiment to take centre stage. The subtle circular pattern gives the illusion of depth and movement, making these cards feel special without being overly busy.

Using patterned paper as a focal panel is a great way to create interest quickly, especially when paired with a strong sentiment stamp.

Colour Combinations Used

For the first card, I paired:

A Bubble Bath card base
Berry Burst Beautiful Bokeh patterned paper

This combination feels bright and cheerful, perfect for sending a happy and uplifting thank you.

For the second card, I used:

A Calypso Coral card base
Calypso Coral Beautiful Bokeh patterned paper

This version has a warmer, more vibrant feel while still keeping the design clean and simple.

Both colourways show how easy it is to adapt the same layout to different colour schemes.

measurements

Bubble Bath / Calypso Coral Cardstock – A6 Card Base – This is an A4 sheet cut in half and then folded in half.
Basic White Cardstock – 14.35cm X 10cm X 2 pieces
Beautiful Bokeh designers series paper – 13.85cm X 9.5cm

Simple Layout, Big Results

The layout for these cards is intentionally straightforward, allowing the sentiment and colours to do all the work. A single embossed focal panel, layered onto a coordinating card base, creates a polished look that’s easy to mass-produce if you need multiple cards in a hurry.

This design is ideal for:

Thank you cards
Happy mail
Craft fairs
Quick handmade cards using your patterned paper stash

Thank You for Stopping By!

Product List

Calypso Coral A4 Card Stock £14.00	Bubble Bath A4 Cardstock £14.00	Beautiful Bokeh 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper £11.75
Thanking You Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) £18.00	Versamark Pad £9.00	Basics Wow! Embossing Powder £20.00
Heat Tool – Uk Plug £30.00	Embossing Additions Tool Kit £26.00	Pearls Of Beauty £7.50

Online Card Club – Each month in my Facebook Group, we make three beautiful cards and a 3D project. It’s a fun and interactive way to craft together. Click here for all the details.

In-Person Crafting Classes – If you’re in North Lincoln, come craft with me in a friendly, hands-on session. Click here for upcoming dates and details.

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or on my YouTube channel—your feedback means the world to me.

Until next time, Enjoy Being Creative!
Ashee xx

Make a Useful Mini Desktop Calendar

Make a Useful Mini Desktop Calendar – Brushed with Beauty – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK.

If you love creating handmade papercraft projects that are both pretty and practical, this mini desktop calendar is going to be right up your street. It’s compact, cheerful, and perfect for keeping on your desk all year long—making it a lovely handmade gift or a useful addition to your own craft space.

This project is designed to be functional as well as decorative, combining a calendar, post-it notes, and a pencil all in one neat holder.

Make a Useful Mini Desktop Calendar - Brushed with Beauty - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - Lincoln UK. — Make a Useful Mini Desktop Calendar – Brushed with Beauty – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK.

A Practical Handmade Gift Idea

What I really love about this mini desktop calendar is how useful it is. The holder is designed to neatly fit a 3″ x 3″ pack of post-it notes, along with a small pencil, so everything you need for jotting down quick reminders is always close to hand.

Because it’s compact and freestanding, it works beautifully on desks, shelves, or even kitchen counters—perfect for home offices, teachers’ desks, or thoughtful handmade gifts.

Two Pretty Colourways

For this project, I created two versions, each with its own look and feel while using the same basic design.

The first version is made using Daffodil Delight cardstock, paired with Christmas Tags and More DSP. This combination gives a bright, cheerful feel that instantly lifts the desk it’s sitting on.

The second version uses Petal Pink cardstock alongside the gorgeous Brushed with Beauty DSP. This one feels a little softer and more elegant, making it ideal if you prefer a calmer colour palette.

Both designs show just how versatile patterned paper can be, even when used on practical papercraft projects.

Measurements

Daffodil Delight / Petal Pink Cardstock:
- 3 5/8″ x 10 1/2″ scored on the long side at 4″, 8″, 9″ & 10″.
- 4 5/8″ X 7″ scored on the long side at 4″ & 4 1/2″ and on the short side at 1/2″ from each end.
Brushed with Beauty designer series paper (DSP):
- 3 3/8″ X 3″ X 1 piece
- 3 3/8″ X 2 1/4″ X 1 piece.

A Great Project for All Skill Levels

This mini desktop calendar is suitable for all levels of crafters. Whether you’re fairly new to papercrafting or have been crafting for years, it’s a satisfying project that comes together beautifully and gives a polished finish.

It’s also a fantastic idea for craft classes, swaps, or clubs, as everyone ends up with something genuinely useful at the end.

Perfect for Year-Round Use

Because the calendar can easily be updated, this is a project that keeps on giving. Simply swap out the calendar pages as needed and continue using the holder month after month.

It’s one of those handmade items that proves papercrafting isn’t just about decoration—it can be practical too.

Thank You for Stopping By!

Product List

Daffodil Delight A4 Card Stock £14.00	Card Stock A4 Crushed Curry £14.00
Petal Pink A4 Cardstock £14.00	Brushed With Beauty 12″ X 12″ (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper £11.75

Online Card Club – Each month in my Facebook Group, we make three beautiful cards and a 3D project. It’s a fun and interactive way to craft together. Click here for all the details.

In-Person Crafting Classes – If you’re in North Lincoln, come craft with me in a friendly, hands-on session. Click here for upcoming dates and details.

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or on my YouTube channel—your feedback means the world to me.

Until next time, Enjoy Being Creative!
Ashee xx

Mini Alphabet Die Sentiment

Made with Love Designer Series Paper

Finishing Touches

A Versatile Birthday Card Layout

Like this:

A Fun and Interactive Valentine Card Idea

Endless Love Stamp & Die Set

Colour Palette and Designer Series Paper

Heart Shaker Details

measurements

A Lovely Card for Any Occasion

Like this:

A No-Cut Bag That’s Perfect for Gifting

Bee Valentine Stamp Set – Sweet and Sentimental

Made with Love Designer Series Paper

measurements

Perfect for Chocolates and Small Treats

Like this:

A Bright and Happy Colour Combination

Beautiful Designer Series Paper

Bee Mine Stamp Set and Matching Punch

measurements

A Layout You Can Use Again and Again

Like this:

Monochromatic Design with Impact

Pretty Florals Two-Step Stamping

Clean and Simple Sentiment

measurements

A Quick and Easy Birthday Card Idea

Like this:

Stamp on Patterned Paper for Instant Impact

A Simple Sentiment Finishes the Card

Measurements

Why This Card Design Works

Like this:

Bright Colour Combinations That Pop

Simple Layers, Big Impact

Perfect for Everyday Crafting

Like this:

White Heat Embossing for Maximum Impact

Beautiful Bokeh Patterned Paper

Colour Combinations Used

measurements

Simple Layout, Big Results

Like this:

A Practical Handmade Gift Idea

Two Pretty Colourways

Measurements

A Great Project for All Skill Levels

Perfect for Year-Round Use

Like this: