ThePowerOfACard

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Delicate Pines + Elegant Pine Snowflakes DSP = Amazing Cards!

I don't need any more snowflake sets, I don't need any more snowflake sets - I do need the Delicate Pines Bundle! How many times have you said you weren't going to get a set, then see someone use it to make great cards, and then order it? I cannot tell you how many times that has happened to me! This bundle, along with the coordinating Designer Series Paper (DSP) is a perfect example!

At my recent team retreat, I saw this paper and bundle in action and fell in love with it. There are 14 stamps including pine bough snowflakes, pine cones, branches and some great sentiments. The die set has 22 pieces! Most of them are easy to figure out, but in my video, I do show you how to use two of them that are less obvious. The paper is so beautiful and while I didn't show you every piece, you can see them in the large variety of cards I made - I just couldn't stop making pretty cards!

Gather your supplies:

Cardstock: Thick Basic White 8-1/2" x 5-1/2 scored at 4-1/4"; Basic White 4" x 5-1/4", 4" x 3-3/4"; Elegant Pine Snowflakes DSP a variety of strips 1/2" - 3/4" wide, at least 3-3/4" long
Stamp Bundle: Delicate Pines
Ink: Old Olive
Ribbon: Early Espresso & Old Olive Linen Thread 30"
Adhesive and Tools

While at the retreat, I made a card designed by my friend Sharon Chin. Taking that as my first inspiration, I designed a snowflake card with the same concept. You'll need strips of the DSP in varying widths from 1/2" - 3/4" wide and at least 3-3/4" long. On the piece of Basic White that is 4" tall x 3-3/4" wide, start adhering the strips along the bottom. I like to use tiny amounts of glue all over the area under the strip. If you get the first strip square with the bottom, the rest of the strips will line up nicely. Continue adding strips, making sure to get good glue coverage until you reach the top. If you don't want to use glue, you can use an adhesive sheet that is just smaller than the white piece. Trim off the excess strips so that your final piece is 4" x 3-3/4".

My Inspiration card designed by Sharon

Using the largest snowflake outline die, place it in the middle of the striped piece and cut it out on the Stampin' Cut & Emboss machine. After cutting, leave the snowflake in place, turn it over, and then cut it half vertically. I find it's easier to see where to cut on the white side over the patterned side. Adhere the left side of the background to the 4" x 5-1/4" white panel, about 1/2" from the left side. Then add the right side of the snowflake. I find it's easy to align this part if I place the left side of the snowflake in the "hole" - it gives a solid edge to place the right side, then pops out to leave the space desired.

Stamp the sentiment in the lower left side in Old Olive ink. Wrap the Old Olive linen thread around twice and tie in a bow. The reverse tweezers from the Embossing Additions kit is a handy tool to help hold the ribbon as you tie the bow. Pop this piece up with Dimensionals onto the card base, which was folded in half and creased with the bone folder. Decorate the inside and envelope with another sentiment and some pine boughs.

I created a second card using the leftover pieces of the snowflake (who doesn't love a two for one card?), but used Old Olive as a card base. Which version do you like better?

As I said in the intro, I have so many card samples to share with you! This first one is so simple and easy to make if you have a lot of cards you want to send. I used the Mossy Meadow & Gold Trim and love how the sparkle adds just the right touch to this simple card.

For this next one, I stamped one large and three medium snowflakes using Shaded Spruce, stamped off. After cutting them out, I used the two dies that look like arrows to cut out the "inside" of the snowflake. When I first saw these dies, I was uncertain about how to use them. The wider one is for the large snowflake. After placing my snowflakes on the card front with Dimensionals, I trimmed off the overhang. I was able to use the trimmed off piece on the inside - a great way to use the excess. I used Frosted Iridescent Dots as accents.

Another card featuring Shaded Spruce - this time, I used the dies to cut out the boughs and assembled them to make a beautiful pine snowflake. A simple sentiment strip keeps the main focus on the evergreen snowflake. I used the little snowflake to surround my inside sentiment and on the envelope, stamping both full strength and stamped off.

This next card features Secret Sea and Pretty Peacock. I stamped the medium snowflake in Secret and Sea and filled in the space between the branches with the stamp that matches the paper. I really love these two colors together - it's very non-traditional, but so very lovely! I spritzed the entire card front with Wink of Stella to add just a little sparkle.

I am so happy that vellum is back in my store! I stamped the same snowflake as on my last card, but this time, I used Versamark ink and White Embossing Powder on vellum. I also embossed the sentiment on Garden Green and fussy cut it out. The ribbon, Garden Green & White Chevron, adds a nice touch on the strip of Garden Green behind the vellum. I embossed the smallest snowflake on a strip of green for the inside and left it without a sentiment. Sometimes, you just want to send a hand written message and this card is perfect for that.

On the front of this Crumb Cake card base, I stamped pine boughs in Old Olive and pinecones in Pecan Pie. My piece of DSP is 3" square, which means you can get 16 from just one sheet of DSP! This layout is another great one to make when you need a lot of cards! I did use Merry Christmas from Jolly Holly on the inside just to add some variety to my sentiments!

My last card looks like DSP, but it actually stamped. I Pretty Peacock, Shaded Spruce and Old Olive to stamp my large and medium snowflakes, then filled in the white space with small snowflakes stamped in Pool Party. Like some of my other cards, I kept the sentiment to a thin strip so I wouldn't cover up much of my stamped background.

My last project, which I forgot to show during my original filming and had to be added in afterwards, is also based on a project we made at the retreat. Instead of making a shaker card, I made a snowflake diorama! I used secret sea as my base and Cloud Cover DSP in the background, stamped with little snowflakes. I added more snowflakes and mixed up how I attached them - some directly on the back, some with Mini Glue Dots, some with Dimensionals, and even one with doubled Dimensionals! I put a square folded card on the back so this can set on someone's desk.

Ok that was probably over the top, but as I mentioned, once I got these products and started playing, I just kept coming up with more and more card designs! Since it's almost Thanksgiving, it is definitely the season to start making and mailing our Christmas cards - this video should provide you with lots of inspritation!

Karen

ThePowerOfACard@gmail.com

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Product List

Delicate Pines Bundle (English)

[166074]

$56.50

Elegant Pine Snowflakes 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[166066]

$12.50

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[166780]

$14.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock

[159229]

$17.00

Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad

[147090]

$9.00

Early Espresso & Old Olive Linen Thread Pack

[165986]

$9.00

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

[110755]

$6.00

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.25

Paper Trimmer

[152392]

$28.00

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

[149653]

$140.00

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Variations of a Flap Over Fun Fold

In my last video, I showed a lot of cards and projects we made at my team retreat I attended in Iowa. One of those cards was made by my friend, Gwen Eich and I thought you'd like to see how this one is made. The card I make in the video is just like hers but in different colors and papers. Then I show you how to change it up by using different sized/shaped flaps and even by changing the orientation. As Fun Folds go, this one is simple to make and I think it will quickly become a Go To in your repertoire!

Gather your supplies:

Cardstock: Cajun Craze 8-1/2" x 5-1/2 scored at 2-1/8" and 4-1/4", 3-1/2" x 4-1/2" scored at 3-1/2", 2-1/2" x 3/4"; Gathering Together Specialty DSP (2) 1-7/8" x 5-1/4", (2) 3-1/4" square; Basic White 4" x 5-1/4", 3/4" x 2-1/2"
Stamp: Gathering Moments
Ink: Cajun Craze
Punch: Three Banner
Ribbon: Early Espresso & Old Olive Linen Thread
Embellishment: Cajun Craze & Gold Dots
Adhesive and Tools

Start by scoring your card base at 2-1/8" and 4-1/4" parallel to the short side. Fold the card in half along the score line, then fold the flap back towards the left side and press the folds with your bone folder. Adhere the two rectangles of Designer Series Paper (DSP) to the flaps as shown.

Next, score the 3-1/2" x 4-1/2" rectangle of Cajun Craze at 3-1/2" and use the bone folder to give a good crease. This is the flap we will attach to the card base. Attach the two squares of DSP, making sure to pay attention to any one-way patterns in the paper so they face in the correct orientation. Then add glue to the flap and attach to the right side of the card, centered from top to bottom. The fold should align with the right edge of the card base and will fold over the folded flap.

To finish the inside, stamp the sentiment in Cajun Craze ink on the large Basic White panel and adhere to the inside. Decorate with a few dots on the lower right side. Stamp the sentiment for the outside on the small piece of white and punch out. Adhere this to the small piece of Cajun Craze and attach to the flap with Dimensionals. You will want to decide where you want your label and then only place Dimensionals where it will attach to the flap. As a finishing touch, I added a little bow from the Early Espresso linen thread with a Mini Glue Dot. (After the video, I added a scrap of DSP to decorate the side of my envelope. 😊)

My next example features the Christmas Tags & More DSP pack and the Greetings for You Mix & Match Ephemera Pack. I love these two so much, I designed an entire card class for my customers to make Christmas cards! The sentiments are adhesive backed (making them super easy to use) and the DSP pack has all sorts of embellishments that are pre-cut. One of the papers has six rectangles that can be cut apart to be featured as I did on the flap. I matted the rectangle in Real Red and BasicWhite, then cut a larger rectangle of Garden Green to use as a flap. All you need to do for the flap is add 1" to the width and score it like we did in the video. I popped up the matted piece and added a sentiment above the stockings. I added another sentiment from the pack (on a scrap of Basic Red) for the inside and another on the envelope. There are plenty of sentiments and paper to make lots and lots of holiday cards!

At my watercolor retreat, we did a lot of practicing with color combos and salt techniques. I took one of those sheets and cut out flowers using the two detail flower dies from Petals of Beauty. Instead of using DSP for my front flap, I adhered the flower pieces to a rectangle of Basic White and to the corner of my envelope. I chose the Brights 6" x 6" DSP for the second flap to match the Azure Afternoon card base. For the flap, I used a rectangle of the watercolor paper and decorated it with a white flower and a fussy cut sentiment from the Friendly Foliage stamp set. I recommend using an adhesive sheet on the back side of the watercolor paper to ensure it is fully adhered on all the tiny parts of the flower. (It's also easier that way!)

I hadn't planned on getting another snowflake set this year (I'm always a sucker for them but "thought" I had enough already in my collection!), but after seeing this Delicate Pines Bundle at the retreat, I was hooked! The DSP (Elegant Pines Snowflakes) is so very pretty and is perfect for this fun fold! For the flap, I wanted to feature the stamped snowflake. I stamped and die cut four layers of the snowflake and assembled them. Then I cut a strip of Granny Apple Green (same as the card base), scored it in half and attached it to the right side of the card like all my other samples. I then added the assembled snowflake to the top of the flap. I cut another large snowflake out of Basic White to attach to the back side to cover up the flap. I was really excited to see this card turn out so well!

My last sample switches orientation for you! To begin, cut a piece of Berry Burst cardstock 4-1/4" x 11" and score it at 2-3/4" and 5-1/2" parallel to the short side. Fold it the same way - in half first, then back towards the right. I used the gorgeous Lights of Aurora DSP, keeping the pattern across the fold - each was 3-1/2" x 4". For the flap, I used the Peace on Earth Bundle (another favorite). After stamping and layering the labels, I cut a strip of Berry Burst to become the flap mechanism. Oncee the label was attached to the flap, I added another piece of DSP to the back side to cover the flap strip. For my placement, I moved this one up a bit so that my sentiment wouldn't be seen when the card was closed. The Frosted Iridescent Dots added just the right amount of sparkle and another piece of DSP decorates the flap of my envelope.

I hope you enjoyed these wonderful fun folds as much as I did. Thanks again to Gwen for the inspiration!

Karen

ThePowerOfACard@gmail.com

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Shop my Store!

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Images Copyright Stampin’ Up!®

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Product List

Gathering Moments Cling Stamp Set (English)

[165970]

$26.00

Cajun Craze 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[119684]

$14.00

Gathering Together 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper

[165969]

$16.50

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[166780]

$14.00

Cajun Craze Classic Stampin' Pad

[147085]

$9.00

Cajun Craze & Gold Dots

[165984]

$9.00

Early Espresso & Old Olive Linen Thread Pack

[165986]

$9.00

Three Banner Punch

[167050]

$26.00

Mini Glue Dots

[103683]

$7.25

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

[110755]

$6.00

Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

[144108]

$4.25

Paper Trimmer

[152392]

$28.00

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Builder Blossoms - An Unexpected Good Find

When I first looked at the Fall Mini Catalog, I skipped right over Builder Blossoms and it wasn't until I saw my upline (Dena Rekow) make some cards with it that I changed my mind! So when we had the stamp sale last month, I got it and started playing. While the samples in the catalog didn't grab my attention, I hope that the samples I show you inspire you to get this one. I think it's the sleeper set of the catalog!

Gather your supplies:

Cardstock: Darling Duckling 8-1/2" x 5-1/2"; Pecan Pie 4" x 5-1/4"; Basic White 3-3/4" x 5", 4" x 5-1/4", 1" x 2"
Stamps: Builder Blossoms, Peace on Earth
Inks: Pecan Pie, Darling Duckling
Embellishment: Cajun Craze & Gold Dots
Adhesive and Tools

I'm making a sympathy card today as it seems like I'm always needing them lately. Because Builder Blossoms has no sentiments, you can pair it with your favorites. Lately, that has been Peace on Earth, which is a fabulous set for Christmas, but also good for sympathy, retirement and encouragement too.

I've made this card in a bunch of colors and for this video, I'm keeping to a fall color scheme. Start by stamping one flower center in Pecan Pie near the top left corner of the 3-3/4" x 5" white panel. Then add the petals with the base of the petal just about touching the centermost circle of the flower center. You can do the petals one of two ways - for mine, I did six petals so there is more overlap. You could also do five and use the center shapes as a guide.

After completing the first flower, stamp the second and third ones as shown (near the lower right edge and in the lower left corner). Add the flower panel to the piece of Pecan Pie and add to your card base, which is Darling Duckling (8-1/2" x 5-1/2", folded in half). On the small piece of Basic White, stamp the sentiment in Pecan Pie, then trim at an angle. Add to the card front with Dimensionals. Complete the flowers by adding the Cajun Craze & Gold Dots.

For the inside of the card, stamp a flower in the lower right corner. Stamp "Heartfelt prayers" in Darling Duckling and "sending" in Pecan Pie. Add this panel to the inside. Finish by stamping one more flower in the corner of the envelope. I love how this is a simple card to make but so very pretty! There are so many sentiments that would work in place of sympathy, making this a very versatile layout.

This card uses the same flower center, but in a totally different way! I stamped just the center in Azure Afternoon (full strength and stamped off) on a panel of white. I then matted it with a piece of Two Tone Cardstock in Blueberry Bushel. For the sentiment, I used Layered Thoughts in Blueberry Bushel and trimmed it with a torn piece of the same Two Tone Cardstock. My bow is 1/4" White Ribbon (on the Last Chance List). To complete the card, I used a sentiment from Label me Grateful on the inside, along with a strip of more flower centers. By doing so, it almost looks like my paper is Designer Series Paper (DSP)!

For my next sample I used the die from the Label me Grateful bundle and stamped the larger flower center in Early Espresso. I then added the large petals stamped in Berry Burst. One thing to note is that there are two different stamps with the large sized petals - a group of three and a single. For my personal taste, I didn't like the gap left when using the threesome, so I added the single to fill in the gap. I then added stamped off Berry Burst "splatter" and the sentiment in Early Espresso. The DSP is the Neutrals 6" x 6" pack and the linen thread is from the Early Espresso & Old Olive pack.

Similar to my second sample, I decided to use the large flower center to decorate a panel of white - this time in two colors (Petunia Pop and Pretty in Pink) and only on the left side. Again, I used the Peace on Earth stamp set for my sentiment. Before adding this to my card base (Petunia Pop), I used the label die (also from Peace on Earth) to make a partial cut over my sentiment. Then I adhered the large piece to my base. Before popping up the label, I added a zig zag of Petunia Pop Bordered ribbon (retired). It's almost like an eclipse card, just with a label!

Next is another simple card using the Peace on Earth bundle for the assist. I stamped the small center in Daffodil Delight and the smallest petals in Strawberry Slush on the smaller label. The sentiment was stamped in Memento Black, then popped it up on the larger label of Strawberry Slush. I used the Strawberry Slush Faux Linen ribbon and the 2025-2027 In Color 6" x 6" DSP. I like how you get orange near the center where the petal and center colors overlap.

Similar to my very first card, I stamped a 4-1/2" x 3-1/2" panel with the small center and medium petals in Cherry Cobbler ink. Then I cut the panel into three 1-1/2" strips before popping them up on a 3-3/4" x 5" Cherry Cobbler panel. For my centers, I decided to use a center from the Impressions Abloom set (Last Chance) in Daffodil Delight. A simple center is one thing I wish was in the Builder Blossoms set. For the circle sentiment, I used my 1-3/4" circle punch and the Sunrise Sailing stamp set.

I love this next one! I used the large center and a sponge dauber to add Pecan Pie in the center and Early Espresso on the outside. The petals were stamped in Daffodil Delight to make a very large sunflower. I fussy cut that out and adhered it to a belly band of Old Olive. The gatefold card was made in Pecan Pie with panels cut from Gathering Together Specialty DSP. My sentiments are from Beautiful Pumpkins and I can't wait to send this to a good friend!

For my last two cards, my initial thought was to make a bunch of small flowers in bright and happy colors and make a colorful card for birthday or get well. After stamping the petals, I fussy cut them out. I decided to use the small flower center but fussy cut (again!) only part of it to pop up on the flowers. I used the Low Profile Dots to complete the flower. The problem I had was they were bigger than I expected and really looked too crowded on one card. My solution - make two cards! For the first one, I used the Nested Essentials dies, Simply Said and Linen Thread to make my label. For the other card, I took advantage of my exclusive dies available to Paper Pumpkin Subscribers to make a fabulous retirement or moving on to another home/job card.

Now that you've seen some more ideas using the Builder Blossoms, what do you think? Isn't it way better than you thought when you first saw this set? You're welcome!

Karen

ThePowerOfACard@gmail.com

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