Freshly Made Sketches #721: Thank you Card

It’s been super cold here, but clear and sunny—just the kind of day that makes staying in the craft room feel extra cozy. 

Cute As A Bug Suite Collection and Fabulous Sayings Product of the Month Thank You Card

I recently purchased the Cute as a Bug Suite Collection from Stampin’ Up!, and I knew right away I wanted to feature the designer series paper in a card. While so many of the patterns are adorably cute, this particular sheet immediately reminded me of a peaceful walk through the woods—calm, earthy, and relaxing.

Using Freshly Made Sketches #721 as my starting point, I created this thank you card. As a new Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, I’ve been finding card sketches especially helpful in designing cards and building confidence.

I used the following products to create this card:

• Designer Series Paper from the Cute as a Bug Collection

• Mossy Meadow cardstock

• All in a Row embossing folder

• Spotlight on Nature circle die

• Die-cut flower from the Sweet Bugs Dies

• Basic White cardstock (A2 card base)

• Earthy Matte Dots

• Sentiment stamps from Fabulous Sayings

This sketch was a great way to let the DSP shine while still adding texture and interest with embossing and die-cut elements.

Spotlight on Nature and Petals of Beauty

Today’s card was created for the “A Cut Above” January 2026 Die Cut Challenge found over on the Paper Playful blog. I love participating in challenges like this because they encourage me to focus on specific techniques—in this case, die cutting—while still allowing plenty of creative freedom.

The A2 card base was made from Basic White cardstock and layered with a Night of Navy mat. For the background, I used the True Blue Florals Designer Series Paper, the December Product of the Month, which pairs beautifully with classic blue tones.

To highlight the die-cut theme from the challenge, I used the Spotlight on Nature Circle Dies to cut two layered circles. The larger circle was cut from Night of Navy cardstock to create a mat, while the smaller circle was cut from Basic White and stamped with “It’s Your Birthday” from the Words of Beauty stamp set. This is a large, versatile set that has quickly become one of my favorites to reach for—I especially love the detailed edges.

To complete the focal point, I tucked foliage die cuts from the Petals of Beauty Dies along the side of the circles. I then stamped the trio of tiny florals from the Petals of Beauty stamp set in Night of Navy with a touch of Petal Pink and cut them out using the coordinating dies. These layered elements add texture and dimension while coordinating beautifully with the Designer Series Paper.

If you enjoy working with dies, I highly recommend checking out the A Cut Above Challenge linked on Paper Playful—I’ll have the link below so you can join in and share your own die-cut creations.

Joy Paper Pumpkin Alternative Card

There is something extra special about a handmade Christmas card, especially when you can mix your Paper Pumpkin kit and add-on dies to create something beautifully unique. Today I’m sharing a simple yet elegant Christmas card made using the November Stampin’ Up! Paper Pumpkin kit and the Abundant Joy die set.

I used a trio of tags cut with the tag die, along with the Joy sentiment die, to create a clean focal point. This card came together quickly and would be easy to recreate if you’re looking for last-minute Christmas cards with lots of impact.

Supplies I Used:

• Stampin’ Up! Paper Pumpkin kit (November 2025)
• Abundant Joy Dies from Stampin’ Up!
• A2 card base (4.25" x 5.5") from Basic White Cardstock
• Plaid layer from Christmas Greetings Mix and Match Specialty Cards
• Adhesives (liquid glue or tape runner)
• Dimensional adhesive
• Mossy Meadow Cardstock
• Embellishments (cut-outs, twine, and embellishments from the kit)
• Paper trimmer

What I enjoy most about this combo is how easy it is to stretch Paper Pumpkin supplies. A single kit has so many coordinating elements, and adding dies like Abundant Joy creates fresh design options beyond the original instructions.

That’s it — simple, cheerful, and ready to mail for the holidays.