Easter Card Freshly Made Sketches #722

Hey stamping friends! Today I'm stepping forward into a little bit of spring and creating an Easter Card for the Freshly Made Sketches #722 challenge. 

This card was made using Stampin' Up! The patterned paper, stamps, and dies were from the Easter Joy Suite Collection.  I used the All in a Row embossing folder for the Balmy Blue Stripe in the corner of the card. The ribbon and little egg embellishments are also from the collection.

I love the little bunnies in the stamp set. To give them a little more dimension and character, I used watercolor pencils in Flirty Flamingo for the noses, ears, and blush. 

Next, I used a Basic Gray watercolor pencil to outline around the stamped image. This slight amount of gray allows the bunnies to remain white while giving them a little bit of pop from the card. These were die cut using dies from the set. 

I stamped the "Happy Easter" sentiment in Balmy Blue Ink and stamped some flowers from the same set on the inside of the card. 

This was a fun challenge, and I can't wait for the next sketch. 

Have a blessed day, and we'll see you next time!

Connie

February Sheet Load of Cards Challenge with Stampin’ Up!

I’m excited to share a set of six cards I created using the February Sheet Load of Cards challenge from Call Me Crafty Al on YouTube. If you’re not familiar with the Sheet Load concept, it’s a fun and efficient way to create multiple cards at once using a single sheet of patterned paper and a simple cutting diagram. This was my first time actually trying this challenge, even though I've watched some of the videos before.

For this challenge, I used all Stampin’ Up! products, focusing on what I could create with the Brushed with Beauty Suite Collection and the Simply Said Stamp Set. 

The Sheet Load Concept

The Sheet Load of Cards challenge provides a cutting guide and a basic card sketch. From there, you can customize your cards by changing:

• Sentiments and embellishments

• Stamp sets and dies

• Size and Placement of Focal Point

The Sheetload of Cards PDF gives you all the basics while you use stretch you supplies and creativity. It’s a great way to create multiple cards quickly without sacrificing style.

My Card Set

Using the provided layout, I created six A2 cards that all follow the same basic design while allowing for small variations in embellishments. Keeping the layout consistent makes the set feel coordinated, while the different patterns and details keep each card interesting.

I love how this approach works especially well with Stampin’ Up! Designer Series Paper. Using Very Vanilla Cardstock as my card base, and Petal Pink as my torn edge accent color, I created:

• Two birthday cards
• Two thank you cards
• Two note cards

The vellum also came from the Brushed with Beauty Suite Collection. 

Why I Loved This Challenge

• It’s perfect for batch card making

• Great for using up patterned paper

• Ideal when you want a cohesive card set

• Easy to adapt for any theme or season

This is a fantastic challenge, whether you’re short on time or just want to be more intentional with your supplies. 

Supplies Used

All products used are from Stampin’ Up! There are a couple of cards where I stepped off this list a bit, but I've only mentioned the supplies that were used for most of the cards. 

• Very Vanilla Cardstock
• Basic White Cardstock
• Petal Pink Cardstock
• Mossy Meadow Cardstock (Greenery Die Cuts)
• Vellum
• Simply Said Stamps
• Baker's Twine and Linen Thread
• Petals of Beauty Die Set
• Petals of Beauty Stamp Set
• Pearls of Beauty 
• Beautiful Pattern Embossing Folder
• Spotlight on Nature Dies (for the circle element)
• Mossy Meadow Ink Pad for Sentiments (on all but one of the cards)
• Petal Pink Ink Pad
• Watercolor Pencils

One of the things I found challenging is that I often work on a single card at a time, so I knew I had to get organized for this. First of all, cleaning off my work area completely was essential. 

Next, I used a large plastic envelope to keep my pieces before assembling the cards. I did everything step by step, starting with making my card bases and adding them to the envelope. Then I cut my patterned paper, created the torn elements, made die cuts, and so on down the list. 

As I had some time, I worked on a single step, and then all the cards fell into place. 

Final Thoughts

Sheet Load challenges are a great reminder that card making doesn’t have to be complicated to be beautiful. By starting with a solid layout and quality products, you can create multiple cards efficiently while still adding your own personal touch.

If you’d like to see the original Sheet Load of Cards challenge, be sure to check out Call Me Crafty Al—it’s a wonderful resource for card makers looking for inspiration and practical layouts.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope this gives you some ideas for your own Sheet Load creations!

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.