Category: colouring

Using Watercolour Pencils Without the Water. Easy Tutorial.

Using Watercolour Pencils Without the Water. Easy Tutorial. – Artisan Sketched Garden – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – UK.

Using Watercolour Pencils Without the Water. Easy Tutorial. – Artisan Sketched Garden – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – UK.

Have you ever reached for your Watercolour Pencils but didn’t want the extra step of using water? The good news is that you don’t have to! Today’s card shows how beautiful these pencils can look when used dry, creating soft, layered colour with very little effort.

This project also features a simple variation of the spotlighting technique. Instead of colouring the entire floral pattern, I’ve focused on just one section of the gorgeous Artisan Sketched Garden Designer Series Paper. The result is a clean, elegant card where the coloured flowers become the star of the design.

A Different Way to Use Watercolour Pencils

Many crafters automatically think of Watercolour Pencils as something that needs to be blended with a Water Painter. While that technique creates beautiful results, they are equally effective when used on their own.

For these cards, I used both Stampin’ Up! Watercolour Pencils Assortment 1 and Assortment 2, blending the colours simply by layering them.

Rather than pressing firmly, I built the colour gradually using light pressure. This allows the pencil pigments to blend naturally, producing a soft, almost velvety finish without damaging the paper.

If you’re new to Watercolour Pencils, this is a fantastic technique to try because it requires no special tools and is very forgiving.

Using Watercolour Pencils Without the Water. Easy Tutorial. - Artisan Sketched Garden - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - UK.
Using Watercolour Pencils Without the Water. Easy Tutorial. – Artisan Sketched Garden – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – UK.

Spotlighting with Designer Series Paper

The spotlighting technique is often created by stamping an image twice and colouring one section before layering it back over the original.

For this version, I’ve used the beautiful floral print from the Artisan Sketched Garden Designer Series Paper instead. By colouring only the central flower cluster, your eye is immediately drawn to the focal point while the surrounding black-and-white design remains beautifully understated.

It’s an easy way to achieve maximum impact with minimal colouring.

Layering Colour for a Smooth Finish

One of the biggest secrets to successful pencil colouring is patience.

Instead of trying to achieve full colour in one pass, I gradually layered the colour, allowing each light layer to build upon the previous one.

This technique offers several benefits:

  • Smoother colour transitions.
  • Better blending between shades.
  • More control over highlights and shadows.
  • Less risk of damaging the cardstock by pressing too hard.

The blue version uses cool shades to create a calming design, while the pink version has a completely different feel despite using exactly the same layout.

Changing only the colour palette gives you two cards that look unique while using the same supplies.

Using Watercolour Pencils Without the Water. Easy Tutorial. - Artisan Sketched Garden - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - UK.
Using Watercolour Pencils Without the Water. Easy Tutorial. – Artisan Sketched Garden – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – UK.

Simple Details Make the Difference

The rest of the design has been kept clean and elegant to allow the colouring to shine.

The embossed white background adds subtle texture without competing with the focal image, while the narrow strips of gold foil frame the spotlighted panel beautifully and introduce just the right amount of sparkle.

Finishing the card with a bold die-cut sentiment creates a lovely contrast against the soft floral colouring.

Why You’ll Love This Technique

This is a wonderful technique if:

  • You enjoy relaxing colouring.
  • You don’t want the mess of watercolouring.
  • You’d like to get more use from your Watercolour Pencils.
  • You want to create elegant cards without lots of layers.
  • You’re looking for a beginner-friendly colouring technique.

Sometimes the simplest techniques produce the most striking results, and this card is a perfect example.

If you’ve been keeping your Watercolour Pencils tucked away because you weren’t confident using them with water, I hope this tutorial inspires you to dust them off and give dry colouring a try. You may be surprised just how versatile they are!

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

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

Pop of Colour on a Monochromatic Background. Simple Tutorial.

Pop of Colour on a Monochromatic Background. Simple Tutorial. – Artisan Sketched Garden – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo

Pop of Colour on a Monochromatic Background. Simple Tutorial. – Artisan Sketched Garden – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo

Sometimes the simplest card designs can have the biggest impact. These cards are a perfect example of how you can take a beautiful patterned paper, keep the colour palette almost entirely monochromatic, and then add one bright pop of colour to make the design really stand out.

For these cards, I’ve used the Artisan Sketched Garden DSP as the starting point. The black and white patterns create a striking background, while the colourful flowers provide the focal point.

And the best part? There is no stamping!!

Pop of Colour on a Monochromatic Background. Simple Tutorial. - Artisan Sketched Garden - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo
Pop of Colour on a Monochromatic Background. Simple Tutorial. – Artisan Sketched Garden – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo

A Monochromatic Card Design

I absolutely love the look of a monochromatic background. Using black, white and grey gives a card a stylish and contemporary feel, and it also provides the perfect canvas for adding a splash of colour.

I chose two different patterns from the Artisan Sketched Garden DSP for these cards. One features a pretty dot pattern, while the other has bold black and white stripes.

Although the backgrounds are quite different, the overall design remains the same, which makes this a great example of how you can get completely different looks simply by changing your patterned paper.

Fussy Cutting the Flowers

The main focal point of these cards is the vase of flowers.

Rather than stamping and colouring an image, I decided to fussy cut the flowers in the vase directly from the DSP. This is such a useful way to get more from your patterned paper.

Once I had carefully cut around the vase and flowers, I used my Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers to add colour to the flowers and greenery.

I particularly like this technique because you can transform the appearance of a piece of DSP simply by adding colour. The original design provides all the detail, so there is no need to worry about stamping perfectly or colouring every tiny element from scratch.

Pop of Colour on a Monochromatic Background. Simple Tutorial. - Artisan Sketched Garden - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo
Pop of Colour on a Monochromatic Background. Simple Tutorial. – Artisan Sketched Garden – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo

Adding the Black Arch

To give the fussy-cut vase a strong focal point, I mounted it onto a piece of Basic Black cardstock cut using the Everyday Arches dies.

The black arch works beautifully with the monochromatic DSP and helps to frame the coloured flowers.

It also creates some much-needed separation between the vase and the busy patterned background. This is a simple design trick that can make a big difference when you’re working with patterned paper.

Adding a Simple Sentiment

For the sentiments, I used pieces from the Greetings for All mix-and-match ephemera pack.

I love using ephemera pieces when I want to make a card quickly. There is no stamping, inking or die cutting involved – you can simply choose a sentiment that works with your design and add it to the card.

For the card with the dotty background, I placed the hello sentiment towards the bottom of the card. On the striped version, I added the sentiment across the vase.

It’s interesting how changing the position of just one element can give the two cards a slightly different feel.

Measurements

  • Basic Black 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
  • Artisan Sketched Garden designer series paper (DSP) – 13.85cm X 9.5cm.

Why This Card Design Works

There are a few simple design principles at work here that make these cards so effective.

The black and white DSP creates contrast, while the coloured flowers immediately draw your eye towards the centre of the card.

The black arch provides a visual frame around the focal image, and the relatively simple sentiment doesn’t compete with the flowers.

This is also a great card design to remember when you’re working with patterned paper that feels a little too busy. Instead of trying to match lots of colours, try using the DSP with a simple monochromatic colour scheme and then introduce one strong pop of colour.

Try This Technique With Your Own DSP

If you have patterned paper featuring flowers, leaves, vases or other images that can be cut out, why not try this technique yourself?

Look for an image that you can fussy cut and then experiment with adding colour using your Stampin’ Blends.

You don’t necessarily need to colour the entire image. You could colour just the flowers, add colour to the leaves, or even highlight just one small part of the design.

For an even more dramatic effect, try combining your coloured image with a black and white patterned paper background.

It’s a quick and easy way to create a card that looks much more complicated than it actually is!

A Simple Card With Plenty of Impact

I really like how these cards combine simplicity with a little bit of drama. The monochromatic backgrounds give them a stylish look, while the bright flowers add just enough colour to make them cheerful and eye-catching.

And because the basic design is so simple, it’s easy to recreate with different patterned papers, colours and sentiments.

If you’re looking for a simple card-making idea using DSP, this is definitely one to try. Let your patterned paper do most of the work, add a little colouring, and you can create a beautiful handmade card without lots of complicated techniques.

Want to See How I Made These Cards?

If you’d like to see the cards being made step by step, don’t forget to check out the video tutorial. I’ll show you how I created the design, fussy cut the flowers and added the colour to create these striking cards.

Don’t forget to pin this project or save it for later if you’d like to try this technique yourself!

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

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

Sweet Bugs – Double Gatefold, Double Z-Fold Card. Easy Tutorial.

Sweet Bugs – Double Gatefold, Double Z-Fold Card. Easy Tutorial. – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK.

Sweet Bugs – Double Gatefold, Double Z-Fold Card. Easy Tutorial. – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK.

If you’re looking for a fun fold card that looks impressive but is surprisingly straightforward to make, then this Double Gatefold, Double Z-Fold Card is the perfect project! It combines two popular fancy folds into one interactive design, creating a card that’s full of movement and plenty of space for decorating.

For today’s project I’ve used the adorable Sweet Bugs stamp set and coordinating dies, paired with two bright and cheerful colour combinations. One card features Real Red cardstock, while the other uses Granny Apple Green, giving each version its own unique personality.

A Fun Fold That Wows

One of the things I love most about this card is the way it unfolds. The combination of the gatefold and double Z-fold creates an interactive design that keeps revealing more as it’s opened.

Although it looks quite detailed, it’s actually much easier to make than it first appears. Once you’ve created the base, you can have lots of fun adding your favourite papers, stamps and embellishments to make it your own.

This is a fantastic fold for birthdays, celebrations or simply sending a cheerful handmade card to brighten someone’s day.

Sweet Bugs - Double Gatefold, Double Z-Fold Card. Easy Tutorial. - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - Lincoln UK.
Sweet Bugs – Double Gatefold, Double Z-Fold Card. Easy Tutorial. – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK.

Sweet Bugs Steal the Show

The Sweet Bugs stamp set is full of charming little characters that instantly make you smile. I used the caterpillar, marching ants, flowers and birthday presents to create a playful garden scene across the card.

The coordinating dies make cutting out all of the stamped images quick and easy, allowing you to build up dimension throughout the design.

The ants marching across the front panel add a lovely sense of movement, while the caterpillar peeking from behind the centre section creates a fun surprise when the card is opened.

Colouring with Stampin’ Blends

All of the stamped images were coloured using Stampin’ Blends Alcohol Markers, which give beautifully smooth colour and make the images really stand out.

The vibrant flowers, cheerful presents and cute insects are all brought to life with simple colouring, proving that you don’t need complicated techniques to achieve a professional-looking finish.

Stampin’ Blends are perfect for projects like this because they blend effortlessly, making even beginner colouring look polished.

Sweet Bugs - Double Gatefold, Double Z-Fold Card. Easy Tutorial. - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - Lincoln UK.
Sweet Bugs – Double Gatefold, Double Z-Fold Card. Easy Tutorial. – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK.

Two Different Looks

To show just how versatile this design can be, I created two different versions.

The Real Red card has a bright, bold and celebratory feel. Paired with the spotted designer paper, it creates a fun birthday card that’s full of energy.

The Granny Apple Green version has a fresher, garden-inspired look. Combined with the floral patterned paper, it gives the same layout a completely different feel while still showcasing the Sweet Bugs images beautifully.

Changing just the cardstock and patterned paper is an easy way to create multiple cards from the same layout without them looking identical.

Measurements

  • Granny Apple Green / Real Red Cardstock :
    • A6 Cardbase – This is an A4 sheet cut in half and then folded in half. X 2 pieces.
    • 29.7cm X 3cm X 2 pieces
  • Basic White Cardstock:
    • 14.35cm X 10cm X 1 piece
    • 10cm X 6.9cm X 4 pieces
    • 14.35cm X 2.5cm X 2 pieces
    • 6.9cm X 2.5cm X 4 pieces
  • Brushed with Beauty / Regals Painted Patterns designer series paper (DSP) – 6.4cm X 9.5cm X 4 pieces.

Why You’ll Love This Card

This project is perfect if you enjoy making interactive cards but don’t want anything too complicated.

You’ll love this design because:

  • It looks impressive while being surprisingly easy to construct.
  • It folds flat for posting.
  • There are lots of opportunities to decorate inside and out.
  • It’s suitable for many different occasions simply by changing the stamps and papers.
  • It’s a brilliant way to showcase your favourite stamp sets and designer papers.

Watch the Video Tutorial

If you’d like to make this Double Gatefold, Double Z-Fold Card yourself, be sure to watch my step-by-step video tutorial below. I’ll guide you through every stage of creating the card, making it easy for you to recreate at home.

Whether you’re new to fun fold cards or you’ve made several before, I hope this project inspires you to give this fabulous fold a 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

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

Making the Most of Background Stamps – Technique 2.

Making the Most of Background Stamps – Technique 2. – Moody Leaves – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – UK.

Making the Most of Background Stamps – Technique 2. – Moody Leaves – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – UK.

Welcome back to the second instalment in my monthly series, One Background Stamp – 5 Different Techniques. In this series, I’ll be taking one background stamp and exploring five completely different ways to use it in your cardmaking projects.

This month, I’m working with the beautiful Moody Leaves background stamp, and today’s technique is all about heat embossing on vellum with Stampin’ Blend alcohol markers.

This technique creates such a soft and elegant look while still allowing the background stamp to take centre stage. It’s also a fantastic way to get even more versatility from your background stamps and your vellum stash.

Heat Embossing on Vellum with Stampin’ Blends

For both of these cards, I started by heat embossing the Moody Leaves background stamp onto vellum using white embossing powder. Heat embossing on vellum gives a really delicate, almost frosted appearance, and it works beautifully with alcohol marker colouring.

The fun part of this technique is that all the colouring is done on the reverse side of the vellum. By colouring on the back, the embossed detail stays crisp and bright on the front while the colour appears softer and slightly diffused through the vellum.

It’s a simple technique, but it gives such a professional finish.

Card One – Peaceful Pine

For the first card, I used Peaceful Pine for the layering and colouring. Rather than colouring the entire background, I chose to colour only the inside of some of the leaves.

This creates a softer and more subtle design while still highlighting the gorgeous detail in the stamp. Leaving some areas uncoloured also allows the white embossing to stand out beautifully against the vellum.

The sentiment from Scalloped Blooms keeps the design clean and elegant without distracting from the background technique.

Making the Most of Background Stamps - Technique 2. - Moody Leaves - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - UK.
Making the Most of Background Stamps – Technique 2. – Moody Leaves – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – UK.

Card Two – Lemon Lime Twist

The second card uses Lemon Lime Twist, and this version has a much bolder look.

Instead of colouring inside the leaves, I coloured all the non-embossed areas on the reverse of the vellum. This makes the white embossed leaves really pop and creates a much stronger contrast.

It’s amazing how different the same technique can look simply by changing where you place the colour.

The bright Lemon Lime Twist paired with the white embossing gives this card a fresh and modern feel while still keeping that soft vellum elegance.

Making the Most of Background Stamps - Technique 2. - Moody Leaves - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - UK.
Making the Most of Background Stamps – Technique 2. – Moody Leaves – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – UK.

Why This Technique Works So Well

One of the things I love most about this technique is how versatile it is. You can achieve completely different looks depending on:

  • Whether you colour inside or outside the embossed areas
  • How much colouring you add
  • The colours you choose
  • Whether you use bold or subtle contrasts

Heat embossing on vellum can sometimes feel intimidating, but it’s actually very forgiving and such a lovely way to create elegant handmade cards.

If you haven’t tried colouring on the reverse of vellum before, I’d definitely recommend giving it a go.

Measurements

  • Peaceful Pine / Lemon Lime Twist 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
  • Vellum – 14.85cm X 10.5cm.

Technique Series – One Background Stamp, Five Ways

This is Technique 2 in my monthly series featuring the Moody Leaves background stamp.

I love finding ways to stretch my crafting supplies and show how one stamp can create multiple completely different looks. Background stamps are often overlooked, but they can be some of the most versatile products in your craft room.

I can’t wait to share the remaining techniques with you over the coming weeks.

Video Tutorial

Be sure to check out the full video tutorial where I walk you through the process step by step and share extra tips for working with vellum and heat embossing.

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

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

Filled with Sweetness – More Ideas – How to Use this Stamp Set.

Filled with Sweetness – More Ideas – How to Use this Stamp Set – With You in Mind – Stampin’ Up! – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo.

Filled with Sweetness – More Ideas – How to Use this Stamp Set – With You in Mind – Stampin’ Up! – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo.

If you’re looking for a fresh and fun way to use the Filled with Sweetness stamp and die bundle, this bright and cheerful card is a perfect place to start. With its fruity theme, bold colours and layered layout, it’s a great example of how versatile this set can be for both everyday and birthday cards.

A Sweet Colour Combination

This card really pops thanks to the vibrant Strawberry Slush card base, which instantly sets a playful tone. I paired this with the Homemade Sweetness DSP, featuring a lovely mix of patterns that add interest without overwhelming the design.

For the stamped images, I used:

  • Strawberry Slush
  • Granny Apple Green
  • Blueberry Bushel

These colours work beautifully together to create a fresh, summery feel that perfectly suits the fruit images.

Filled with Sweetness - More Ideas - How to Use this Stamp Set - With You in Mind - Stampin' Up! - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo.
Filled with Sweetness – More Ideas – How to Use this Stamp Set – With You in Mind – Stampin’ Up! – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo.

Stamping & Colouring Tips

The images were stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black, which is ideal when using alcohol markers as it won’t bleed or smudge. If you have it, you could also use the newer Stampin’ Up! Black Hybrid Ink for equally great results.

I coloured all the images using Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers, which give that smooth, vibrant finish and make the fruit look almost good enough to eat!

Layering for Impact

One of the standout features of this card is the layered design. By combining patterned paper, bold cardstock mats, and stamped elements, you get a card that feels detailed yet clean and balanced.

The mix of gingham and heart patterns adds subtle texture, while the die-cut fruit elements bring everything to life. Don’t be afraid to overlap your images slightly—this helps create depth and a more dynamic layout.

Sentiments that Work Together

I’ve combined sentiments from two different stamp sets here:

  • “Love you berry much” from Filled with Sweetness
  • “Happy Birthday” from With You In Mind

Both were stamped in Misty Moonlight, which gives a softer look than black while still providing great contrast.

Mixing sentiments like this is a brilliant way to stretch your supplies and create more variety in your cardmaking.

measurements

  • Strawberry Slush 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
  • Homemade Sweetness DSP (Designer Series Paper):
    • 5.5cm X 14.35cm
    • 1cm X 14.35cm.

More Ideas for This Stamp Set

If you’re enjoying this bundle, here are a few more ideas to try:

  • Create a fruit-themed thank you card set
  • Make tags for homemade gifts or treat packaging
  • Design a scrapbook page with a summer or picnic theme
  • Use the images for simple one-layer cards for quick makes

This set is far more versatile than it first appears, and it’s perfect for adding a touch of fun to your projects.

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

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

How to Make a Sweet Bug Card – Garden Green – Lovely Garden.

How to Make a Sweet Bug Card – Garden Green – Lovely Garden. – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK.

How to Make a Sweet Bug Card – Garden Green – Lovely Garden. – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK.

Creating cheerful cards with character is always a joy, and today I’m sharing how I made this fun and playful Sweet Bug card. This design is full of movement and personality, making it perfect for sending a friendly hello to someone special.

The Sweet Bug stamp and die bundle from Stampin’ Up! is ideal for cards like this, especially if you enjoy adding colour, layers, and a touch of whimsy to your papercrafting projects.

Card Design Overview

This card features a Garden Green cardbase, which provides a rich, earthy backdrop and works beautifully with the Lovely Garden Designer Series Paper. I’ve used the DSP as side panels to frame the focal area and draw the eye straight to the centre of the card.

To help the main design stand out, the focal panel is matted onto Gold Foil sheet. This subtle shimmer adds a touch of elegance while still keeping the overall look fun and playful.

How to Make a Sweet Bug Card - Garden Green - Lovely Garden. - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - Lincoln UK.
How to Make a Sweet Bug Card – Garden Green – Lovely Garden. – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK.

Sweet Bug Details

All of the images are stamped onto Basic White cardstock and coloured using Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers. These markers are perfect for smooth blending and bringing the sweet bug images to life with vibrant colour and depth.

Once coloured, all the images were die cut using the matching dies, making it easy to build up the scene. The little ants marching across the card add movement and storytelling to the design, and I’ve popped them up on Stampin’ Dimensionals for extra interest and dimension.

Finishing Touches

The combination of layered elements, gold foil accents, and raised details gives this card plenty of texture without feeling bulky. It’s a lovely example of how small details—like foam dimensionals and metallic mats—can really elevate a handmade card.

This card would be perfect for a friendly hello, a thinking-of-you message, or even a cheerful note just because.

MeASUREMENTS

  • Garden Green 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
  • Lovely Garden designer series paper (DSP) – 13.35cm X 9.5cm.

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

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

Sweet Bugs – Make this Cute Ladybird Card for a Special Friend

Sweet Bugs – Make this Cute Ladybird Card for a Special Friend – Terrific Toadstools – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – UK.

Sweet Bugs – Make this Cute Ladybird Card for a Special Friend – Terrific Toadstools – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – UK.

A cheerful handmade card idea using Sweet Bugs

If you’re looking for a bright, cheerful card design that’s guaranteed to make someone smile, today’s project is just the thing. This Sweet Bugs ladybird card is fun, colourful, and perfect for sending a little happy post to a special friend.

The playful ladybird paired with bold red and fresh green tones makes this design feel uplifting and full of personality. It’s a great card for encouragement, a friendly hello, or to let someone know you’re thinking of them.

Sweet Bugs - Make this Cute Ladybird Card for a Special Friend - Terrific Toadstools - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - UK.
Sweet Bugs – Make this Cute Ladybird Card for a Special Friend – Terrific Toadstools – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – UK.

Featuring new products from the Spring / Summer Catalogue

This card showcases the Sweet Bugs stamp and die set, which is brand new in the Spring / Summer catalogue. The cute ladybird image is full of character and works beautifully as a focal point for handmade cards.

To add extra interest, I’ve paired it with the Terrific Toadstools toadstool, which has a matching punch. The layered elements create depth while keeping the design clean and easy to recreate.

Colouring the ladybird with Stampin’ Blends

The ladybird has been coloured using Stampin’ Blend alcohol markers, giving smooth blending and vibrant colour. This colouring method really brings the image to life and adds a professional finish to the card.

The Granny Apple Green and Real Red cardstock and DSP combination is a classic pairing that feels bold, fresh, and perfect for spring and summer papercrafting projects.

Sweet Bugs - Make this Cute Ladybird Card for a Special Friend - Terrific Toadstools - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - UK.
Sweet Bugs – Make this Cute Ladybird Card for a Special Friend – Terrific Toadstools – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – UK.

Simple sentiments with a modern touch

For the greetings, I’ve used sentiments from the Greetings for All ephemera pack. These ready-to-use sentiments are ideal when you want something clean and modern without extra stamping, and they work perfectly with the playful style of this card.

The sentiments keep the design versatile, making this card suitable for a range of occasions.

measurements

  • Granny Apple Green / Real Red 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
  • Real Red / Granny Apple Green designer series paper – 13.85cm X 9.5cm

A fun card design for many occasions

This cute ladybird card design is quick to adapt and would be perfect for birthdays, thank-you cards, encouragement cards, or just because. You can easily change the sentiment or colours to suit the occasion while keeping the same layout.

If you enjoy creating handmade cards that are bright, friendly, and full of charm, this design is definitely worth trying.

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

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

How to Make These Fun Christmas Decorations

How to Make These Fun Christmas Decorations – Festive Friends – Jolly Delivery – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – UK

How to Make These Fun Christmas Decorations – Festive Friends – Jolly Delivery – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – UK

These adorable little Christmas decorations are sure to bring some festive cheer to your table or tree! They feature Father Christmas and an Elf from the Festive Friends stamp and die set, and they’re perfect for adding a personal, handmade touch to your Christmas décor.

How to Make These Fun Christmas Decorations - Festive Friends - Jolly Delivery - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - UK
How to Make These Fun Christmas Decorations – Festive Friends – Jolly Delivery – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – UK

I coloured both characters using Stampin’ Blend alcohol markers, matching the colours to the patterned paper I used for the box-style envelopes. The rich reds and greens really make these designs pop and give that traditional Christmas feel we all love.

The little envelope that Father Christmas and the Elf are peeking out of was created using the Jolly Delivery die set. It’s actually a small box-style envelope—such a clever design that can hold a little treat inside. I first die-cut the envelope base from Shaded Spruce cardstock for the green one and Real Red cardstock for the red one.

How to Make These Fun Christmas Decorations - Festive Friends - Jolly Delivery - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - UK
How to Make These Fun Christmas Decorations – Festive Friends – Jolly Delivery – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – UK

Next, I die cut the same shapes again using the Christmas Tags and More Designer Series Paper. I then used scissors to cut out each patterned section and matted them neatly onto the cardstock bases. This creates a lovely layered effect and ties in perfectly with the colouring on the stamped images.

Multiple Uses

Behind each character, I tucked a few gold coins—adding a fun, sweet surprise! I used some ribbon from my stash to make these into hanging decorations. Alternatively, these little decorations would also make wonderful place name markers for your Christmas table. Add a name tag and a treat inside, and your guests will have a delightful keepsake to take home with them.

These projects are quick, festive, and a lovely way to make your Christmas celebration extra special. Whether you hang them on the tree or use them as table décor, they’re sure to bring smiles all around!

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

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

Fun Christmas Card – Perfect for Those Who Love Christmas

Fun Christmas Card – Perfect for Those Who Love Christmas – Festive Friends -Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – UK.

Fun Christmas Card – Perfect for Those Who Love Christmas – Festive Friends -Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – UK.

Today’s project is a cheerful and playful Christmas card that’s bound to bring a smile to anyone who receives it! This design features the adorable Festive Friends stamp and die bundle, paired perfectly with the Sign Design stamp and punch bundle to create a fun, festive look that captures the joy of the season.

The card’s focal images – Santa and his little helper – are coloured using Stampin’ Blend Alcohol Markers, giving them a smooth, professional finish. The Real Red and Shaded Spruce colour palette creates a traditional Christmas feel, while the gold border and patterned paper add a touch of sparkle and warmth.

Fun Christmas Card - Perfect for Those Who Love Christmas - Festive Friends -Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - UK.
Fun Christmas Card – Perfect for Those Who Love Christmas – Festive Friends -Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – UK.

To complete the design, I added the “Merry & Bright” sentiment, which ties in beautifully with the festive background of gifts and sweet peppermint accents. It’s a simple but charming combination that’s perfect for anyone who loves the magic and excitement of Christmas.

measurements

  • Shaded Spruce / Real Red Cardstock – A6 Card Base – This is an A4 sheet cut in half and then folded in half.
  • Basic White Cardstock – 14.35cm X 10cm
Fun Christmas Card - Perfect for Those Who Love Christmas - Festive Friends -Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - UK.
Fun Christmas Card – Perfect for Those Who Love Christmas – Festive Friends -Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – UK.

This card would be ideal to send to friends, family, or even to include with a small handmade gift. The cute characters and bright colours make it suitable for all ages – a reminder of how delightful handmade cards can be during the holidays!

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

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

Make a Fun Christmas Card With Me

Make a Fun Christmas Card With Me – Jar of Joy – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK.

Make a Fun Christmas Card With Me – Jar of Joy – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK.

Today I’m sharing a bright and cheerful Christmas card design that’s perfect for spreading festive joy. This project features the Jar of Joy stamp set with the coordinating Sweet Jar builder punch. I had so much fun creating these cards, and I think you’ll enjoy making them too!

A Playful Jar Design

The Jar of Joy stamp set is a two-step stamp set, which makes it easy to build up fun little festive scenes inside the jars. I chose a mix of images for these cards, from gingerbread biscuits to ornaments and even a sweet little snowman. Each jar feels like a tiny snapshot of Christmas magic.

Make a Fun Christmas Card With Me - Jar of Joy - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - Lincoln UK.
Make a Fun Christmas Card With Me – Jar of Joy – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK.

Colouring with Stampin’ Blends

All the images were coloured using Stampin’ Blend alcohol markers, which give such a smooth and vibrant finish. The markers allow for beautiful shading, bringing the gingerbread man, baubles, and snowman to life with extra depth and detail.

Christmas Tags and More Backgrounds

For the background, I used papers from the Christmas Tags and More collection. These patterns add a festive base to the card while letting the jars really shine as the main focus. I especially love how the plaid and leafy prints create two different but equally joyful looks.

Make a Fun Christmas Card With Me - Jar of Joy - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - Lincoln UK.
Make a Fun Christmas Card With Me – Jar of Joy – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK.

measurements

  • Real Red / Garden Green Cardstock – A6 Card Base – This is an A4 sheet cut in half and then folded in half.
  • Basic White Cardstock – 14.35cm X 10cm
  • Real Red / Garden Green Cardstock – 14.35cm X 10cm
  • Christmas Tags & More designer series paper (DSP) – 13.35cm X 9.5cm

Finishing Touches

A simple red bow tied in the corner of each card completes the design with a pop of festive charm. The sentiment, “Wishing you the sweetest Christmas,” ties everything together perfectly and makes these cards ideal for gifting to family and friends this season.

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

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