Use one Ink Pad to get Different Shades – Impressions Abloom

Use one Ink Pad to get Different Shades – Impressions Abloom – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln, UK.

Use one Ink Pad to get Different Shades – Impressions Abloom – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln, UK.

Use One Ink Pad to Get Different Shades – Impressions Abloom

Did you know you can create beautiful depth and variation in your stamping with just one ink pad? Today’s project showcases exactly that, using the Impressions Abloom stamp and die set from Stampin’ Up! With the simple technique of second-generation stamping, you can add dimension and shading without needing extra supplies.

These two vibrant “Thanks” cards highlight how you can stretch your ink pads further—and give your stamped images a different look and feel.


Two Cards, One Technique

For both cards, I used the same technique: second-generation stamping for the first (base) layer, and then added detail using first-generation stamping. This approach gives the flowers more depth and variation in tone, while still keeping the colour palette simple and cohesive.


Card One: Bold & Bright in Azure Afternoon and Real Red

This cheerful card features bright florals in Azure Afternoon and Real Red. The bold blue background brings a crisp freshness, while the pop of red adds warmth and energy. The soft second-generation stamping gives the base petals a gentle wash of colour, with the first-generation details adding a crisp contrast.

The bright red frame and embellishments tie the design together perfectly, making it a truly eye-catching thank you card.


Use one Ink Pad to get Different Shades - Impressions Abloom - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - Lincoln, UK.
Use one Ink Pad to get Different Shades – Impressions Abloom – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln, UK.

Card Two: Rich & Warm in Gorgeous Grape and Timid Tiger

This version takes on a richer, warmer feel. I paired Gorgeous Grape and Timid Tiger for a striking floral combination that feels both elegant and playful. The background strip adds texture and interest without overwhelming the card, while the orange stitched frame creates a beautiful focal point around the stamped flowers.

The subtle ink blending on the left adds an extra touch of softness, enhancing the layered stamping effect beautifully.

Use one Ink Pad to get Different Shades - Impressions Abloom - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - Lincoln, UK.
Use one Ink Pad to get Different Shades – Impressions Abloom – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln, UK.

Simple Technique, Stunning Results

Second-generation stamping is an easy but powerful technique to master. Simply ink your stamp, stamp it once on scrap paper, then immediately stamp it again onto your project. You’ll get a lighter version of the ink colour that works beautifully for backgrounds or base layers—perfect for projects like this.

It’s a brilliant way to extend your ink pad’s possibilities without needing additional supplies.

measurements

  • Azure Afternoon / Gorgeous Grape 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
  • Azure Afternoon / Gorgeous Grape designer series paper – 14.35cm X 5.5cm

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

Best Wishes – Happy Hibiscus – Easy Watercolouring

Best Wishes – Happy Hibiscus – Easy Watercolouring – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK

Best Wishes – Happy Hibiscus – Easy Watercolouring – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK

Today’s card is all about layering, colour, and the beauty of a hand‑painted floral. I’ve used the Happy Hibiscus stamp and die set to create these bold blooms, and paired them with a soft sky background and subtle arch framing. If you love floral cards but want an approachable technique for colouring, this is the perfect project to try.

Best Wishes - Happy Hibiscus - Easy Watercolouring - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - Lincoln UK
Best Wishes – Happy Hibiscus – Easy Watercolouring – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK

What makes this card stand out

  • Easy watercolouring – Real Red and Old Olive ink pads, plus a Water Painter, create vibrant results without complicated blending.
  • Layered arch effect – The Everyday Arches dies and clever use of DSP add depth and detail.
  • Stunning statement florals – The hibiscus flowers pop against a dreamy sky backdrop.
  • Versatile sentiment – “Best Wishes” from With You in Mind fits a wide range of occasions.

How I created the hibiscus flowers

  1. Stamping and watercolouring
    I stamped the hibiscus and leaves onto Fluid 100 watercolour paper using waterproof black ink. Once dry, I used my Water Painters to loosely fill in the flowers with Real Red and the leaves with Old Olive.
  2. Adding bold detail
    Instead of flicking or splattering, I added extra depth by painting directly onto the petals and leaves with undiluted ink. This gives a vivid, hand‑painted look and makes the florals really pop.
  3. Die cutting
    Once the colouring was dry, I used the coordinating dies to cut out the images for layering later.

Creating the layered arch background

  • Ink blending – I began by blending Pool Party ink over a piece of Basic White cardstock to create a soft, gradient base.
  • DSP overlay – Next, I took a piece of Take to the Sky Designer Series Paper and used the Everyday Arches dies to cut a window into it.
  • Layering the two – I placed the ink‑blended piece behind the DSP so that the sky scene showed only through the arch cut‑out. This added both dimension and a subtle focal frame for the sentiment.

Sentiment and finishing touches

  • The “Best Wishes” greeting comes from the With You in Mind stamp set and was stamped in black for a bold contrast against the soft background.
  • I arranged the three hibiscus flowers and leaves around the base of the arch to draw the eye upward and keep the design balanced.
  • A few pearls from the Pearl Trio Pack add a soft shimmer and complete the card with a delicate touch.

Watch how it all comes together

Want to see this card made from start to finish? Watch the full step‑by‑step tutorial in the video below. You’ll see exactly how I layered the arches and created those vivid floral details.


Save this idea for later

Love this look? Pin the photo to your crafting inspiration board so you can come back to it whenever you’re ready to make your own version

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

Another Easy Christmas Card – Have Fun with Die Cuts

Another Easy Christmas Card – Have Fun with Die Cuts – A Little Bit Festive – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK

Another Easy Christmas Card - Have Fun with Die Cuts - A Little Bit Festive - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - Lincoln UK
Another Easy Christmas Card – Have Fun with Die Cuts – A Little Bit Festive – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK

I love that Stampin’ Up! has introduced a range of ephemera packs to its range. They are great not only for quick and easy cards but for memory keeping such as scrapbooking as well. I love the image of the log cabin on the card above. It reminds me of the little log cabin from the “House in the Big Woods” by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Another Easy Christmas Card - Have Fun with Die Cuts - A Little Bit Festive - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - Lincoln UK
Another Easy Christmas Card – Have Fun with Die Cuts – A Little Bit Festive – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK

measurements

  • 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
  • A Little Bit Festive designer series paper (DSP) – 13.85cm X 9.5cm

Thank you for visiting me. I hope you enjoyed this project and it inspired you. The supply list linked to my online shop and video tutorial are below. You can find my Basic Craft Products that I regularly use here.

Until next time Enjoy Being Creative!!

Ashee xx

Product List

You can follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. I also have a Facebook Group where we share crafty projects and chat about all things crafty. I would love you to join and share your creation with us.

I’ve run an online card club each month in my Facebook Group. We make three cards and a 3D project each month. It’s lots of fun and I would love for you to join us. All the details can be found here.

I also run in-person classes in North Lincoln. Click here for details to attend the next club.

If you would like a copy of the catalogue, click on the contact me button and I will get one out to you. Remember you can shop in my online shop 24 /7 from the comfort of your own home.

I love to read your comments and get feedback on my work so please do comment either here or on my YouTube account.

A Traditional Amaryllis – How to Make a Floral Christmas Card

A Traditional Amaryllis – How to Make a Floral Christmas Card – Artful Amaryllis – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up Demo – UK

A Traditional Amaryllis - How to Make a Floral Christmas Card - Artful Amaryllis - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up Demo - UK
A Traditional Amaryllis – How to Make a Floral Christmas Card – Artful Amaryllis – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up Demo – UK

I like the combination of blues and reds in this card, although close to each on the colour wheel, they are both primary colours and compliment each other well. Gingham is one of my favourite patterns, what is yours? Artful Amaryllis is a two-step stamp set. This makes for quick and easy colouring of images. You can of course colour them yourself as I’ve done in this card.

measurements

  • Thick Basic White Cardstock – A6 Card Base – This is an A4 sheet cut in half and then folded in half.
  • A Little Bit Festive designer series paper (DSP) – 14.35cm X 10cm

Thank you for visiting me. I hope you enjoyed this project and it inspired you. The supply list linked to my online shop and video tutorial are below. You can find my Basic Craft Products that I regularly use here.

Until next time Enjoy Being Creative!!

Ashee xx

Product List

You can follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. I also have a Facebook Group where we share crafty projects and chat about all things crafty. I would love you to join and share your creation with us.

I’ve run an online card club each month in my Facebook Group. We make three cards and a 3D project each month. It’s lots of fun and I would love for you to join us. All the details can be found here.

I also run in-person classes in North Lincoln. Click here for details to attend the next club.

If you would like a copy of the catalogue, click on the contact me button and I will get one out to you. Remember you can shop in my online shop 24 /7 from the comfort of your own home.

I love to read your comments and get feedback on my work so please do comment either here or on my YouTube account.

How to Use Artful Amarylis in a Different Way.

How to Use Artful Amarylis in a Different Way. – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK

How to Use Artful Amarylis in a Different Way. - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - Lincoln UK
How to Use Artful Amarylis in a Different Way. – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK

I love how this card turned out. These are meant to be amaryllis flowers but I think they could pass for poinsettia ones as well. What do you think? These flowers were created using the Artful Amaryllis dies. I used Real Red and Old Olive cardstock which I inked to give more variation in colour.

measurements

  • 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

Thank you for visiting me. I hope you enjoyed this project and it inspired you. The supply list linked to my online shop and video tutorial are below. You can find my Basic Craft Products that I regularly use here.

Until next time Enjoy Being Creative!!

Ashee xx

Product List

You can follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. I also have a Facebook Group where we share crafty projects and chat about all things crafty. I would love you to join and share your creation with us.

I’ve run an online card club each month in my Facebook Group. We make three cards and a 3D project each month. It’s lots of fun and I would love for you to join us. All the details can be found here.

I also run in-person classes in North Lincoln. Click here for details to attend the next club.

If you would like a copy of the catalogue, click on the contact me button and I will get one out to you. Remember you can shop in my online shop 24 /7 from the comfort of your own home.

I love to read your comments and get feedback on my work so please do comment either here or on my YouTube account.

Christmas Card Tutorial – From Our Home to Yours – Easy Design

Christmas Card Tutorial – From Our Home to Yours – Easy Design – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! – Lincoln UK

Christmas Card Tutorial - From Our Home to Yours - Easy Design - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! - Lincoln UK
Christmas Card Tutorial – From Our Home to Yours – Easy Design – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! – Lincoln UK

I’ve always loved the combination of blue and red. Do you like it? The colours here are Balmy Blue, Azure Afternoon and Poppy Parade. I’ve coloured the little house to look like a gingerbread house. The image is from the Humble Home stamp and punch bundle. I love punches. The colouring was done using the Stampin’ Blend alcohol markers. I love them, they are easy to use and produce great results.

Measurements

  • Azure Afternoon Cardstock – A6 Card Base – This is an A4 sheet cut in half and then folded in half.
  • Basic White Cardstock – 14.35cm X 10cm
  • Balmy Blue Cardstock – 14.35cm X 10cm

Thank you for visiting me. I hope you enjoyed this project and it inspired you. The supply list linked to my online shop and video tutorial are below. You can find my Basic Craft Products that I regularly use here.

Until next time Enjoy Being Creative!!

Ashee xx

Product List

You can follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. I also have a Facebook Group where we share crafty projects and chat about all things crafty. I would love you to join and share your creation with us.

I’ve run an online card club each month in my Facebook Group. We make three cards and a 3D project each month. It’s lots of fun and I would love for you to join us. All the details can be found here.

I also run in-person classes in North Lincoln. Click here for details to attend the next club.

If you would like a copy of the catalogue, click on the contact me button and I will get one out to you. Remember you can shop in my online shop 24 /7 from the comfort of your own home.

I love to read your comments and get feedback on my work so please do comment either here or on my YouTube account.

Decorative Trees – One Easy Christmas Card Design For You

Decorative Trees – One Easy Christmas Card Design For You – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK

Decorative Trees - One Easy Christmas Card Design For You - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - Lincoln UK
Decorative Trees – One Easy Christmas Card Design For You – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK

I call this my bullseye design as you have a single focal image on the card. Here it is this adorable Christmas Tree from the Decorative Trees stamp set. I’ve paired it with the Take a Bow designer series paper (DSP) to give a central pop of colour. The gold foil sheet used in the garlands gives it some Christmas bling!!

Measurements

  • 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
  • Take a Bow DSP:
    • 10cm X 8cm
    • 9cm X 7cm

Thank you for visiting me. I hope you enjoyed this project and it inspired you. The supply list linked to my online shop and video tutorial are below. You can find my Basic Craft Products that I regularly use here.

Until next time Enjoy Being Creative!!

Ashee xx

Product List

You can follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. I also have a Facebook Group where we share crafty projects and chat about all things crafty. I would love you to join and share your creation with us.

I’ve run an online card club each month in my Facebook Group. We make three cards and a 3D project each month. It’s lots of fun and I would love for you to join us. All the details can be found here.

I also run in-person classes in North Lincoln. Click here for details to attend the next club.

If you would like a copy of the catalogue, click on the contact me button and I will get one out to you. Remember you can shop in my online shop 24 /7 from the comfort of your own home.

I love to read your comments and get feedback on my work so please do comment either here or on my YouTube account.

Make a Fun Christmas Card Using the Reindeer Fun Dies

Make a Fun Christmas Card Using the Reindeer Fun Dies – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK

Make a  Fun Christmas Card Using the Reindeer Fun Dies - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - Lincoln UK
Make a Fun Christmas Card Using the Reindeer Fun Dies – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK

Isn’t this deer the cutest? I love how it’s popping out of the green frame to say Merry Christmas. The only stamping on this card is for the sentiments, otherwise it is all die cuts. This card was made using only the dies from the Reindeer Fun set. The dies match the stamp set but there are also some stand-alone dies that I’ve used to create this card.

Measurements

  • 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.
  • Garden Green Cardstock – 9.5cm X 14.35cm. You can it shorter once you’ve die-cut your image.

Thank you for visiting me. I hope you enjoyed this project and it inspired you. The supply list linked to my online shop and video tutorial are below. You can find my Basic Craft Products that I regularly use here.

Until next time Enjoy Being Creative!!

Ashee xx

Product List

You can follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. I also have a Facebook Group where we share crafty projects and chat about all things crafty. I would love you to join and share your creation with us.

I’ve run an online card club each month in my Facebook Group. We make three cards and a 3D project each month. It’s lots of fun and I would love for you to join us. All the details can be found here.

I also run in-person classes in North Lincoln. Click here for details to attend the next club.

If you would like a copy of the catalogue, click on the contact me button and I will get one out to you. Remember you can shop in my online shop 24 /7 from the comfort of your own home.

I love to read your comments and get feedback on my work so please do comment either here or on my YouTube account.

How to Make a Double Flap Fold Christmas Card

How to Make a Double Flap Fold Christmas Card – Reindeer Days – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln Uk

How to Make a Double Flap Fold Christmas Card - Reindeer Days - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - Lincoln Uk
How to Make a Double Flap Fold Christmas Card – Reindeer Days – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln Uk

I love this design from the Reindeer Days designer series paper (DSP). It is gorgeous. This a straightforward and effective fancy-fold Christmas card. I love the combination of colours. Do you agree? I think the birds are Red Cardinals but I’m not sure. Do you know? In the UK our main Christmas bird is a robbin and these birds are not robbins.

measurements

  • Real Red Cardstock – A6 Card Base – This is an A4 sheet cut in half and then folded in half. Cut 3cm off the front edge.
  • Basic White Cardstock – 14.35cm X 10cm
  • Reindeer Days DSP:
    • 14.35cm X 7cm
    • 10.5cm X 6.5cm
  • Real Red Cardstock – 11cm X 10cm, scored at 3cm on the 10cm side.

Thank you for visiting me. I hope you enjoyed this project and it inspired you. The supply list linked to my online shop and video tutorial are below. You can find my Basic Craft Products that I regularly use here.

Until next time Enjoy Being Creative!!

Ashee xx

Product List

You can follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. I also have a Facebook Group where we share crafty projects and chat about all things crafty. I would love you to join and share your creation with us.

I’ve run an online card club each month in my Facebook Group. We make three cards and a 3D project each month. It’s lots of fun and I would love for you to join us. All the details can be found here.

I also run in-person classes in North Lincoln. Click here for details to attend the next club.

If you would like a copy of the catalogue, click on the contact me button and I will get one out to you. Remember you can shop in my online shop 24 /7 from the comfort of your own home.

I love to read your comments and get feedback on my work so please do comment either here or on my YouTube account.

Make a Bold and Bright Christmas Card – Tutorial

Make a Bold and Bright Christmas Card – Tutorial – More Wishes – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK

Make a Bold and Bright Christmas Card - Tutorial - More Wishes - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - Lincoln UK
Make a Bold and Bright Christmas Card – Tutorial – More Wishes – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK

I am a big fan of big, bold sentiments. The More Wishes stamp set is one of my favourites and will never leave my stash. I’ve used it so many times. The font and size are great. I’ve stamped it here alternatively in Shaded Spruce and Real Red, creating this dramatic card.

measurements

  • Thick Basic White Cardstock – A6 Card Base – This is an A4 sheet cut in half and then folded in half.
  • Shaded Spruce / Real Red designer series paper (DSP) 14.35cm X 10cm
Make a Bold and Bright Christmas Card - Tutorial - More Wishes - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - Lincoln UK
Make a Bold and Bright Christmas Card – Tutorial – More Wishes – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK

Thank you for visiting me. I hope you enjoyed this project and it inspired you. The supply list linked to my online shop and video tutorial are below. You can find my Basic Craft Products that I regularly use here.

Until next time Enjoy Being Creative!!

Ashee xx

Product List

You can follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. I also have a Facebook Group where we share crafty projects and chat about all things crafty. I would love you to join and share your creation with us.

I’ve run an online card club each month in my Facebook Group. We make three cards and a 3D project each month. It’s lots of fun and I would love for you to join us. All the details can be found here.

I also run in-person classes in North Lincoln. Click here for details to attend the next club.

If you would like a copy of the catalogue, click on the contact me button and I will get one out to you. Remember you can shop in my online shop 24 /7 from the comfort of your own home.

I love to read your comments and get feedback on my work so please do comment either here or on my YouTube account.