Showing posts with label stampin up. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stampin up. Show all posts

Saturday, August 29, 2026

One Layout, Five Cards: A Stampin’ Up! Fold Back Card

Welcome to the first installment of One Layout, Five Cards, a new monthly cardmaking series where I take one card layout and show you five different ways to use it.

The idea is simple: one layout can do a lot of work for you.

For this first feature, I’m using a fun fold called the Fold Back Card.

The best part? I’m using the same basic layout for five completely different cards, using a variety of Stampin’ Up! products.

Because sometimes the hardest part of cardmaking isn't making the card. It's deciding what to make in the first place.

My goal is to help eliminate some of that creative overwhelm by showing you how one good card layout can become the starting point for lots of different cards.

One Layout. Five Very Different Cards.

For this first One Layout, Five Cards feature, I’m showcasing five different Stampin’ Up! product combinations with the same Fold Back Card layout.

Painted Pumpkins Bundle

The Painted Pumpkins Bundle gives this layout a fun seasonal look. The pumpkins become the focal point and the gate swings open, but the basic card design stays the same.

 
 

Frosted Pinecones Bundle

Switching to the Painted Pinecones Bundle completely changes the feel of the card. Same layout, different season, different personality.


Welcome Noel Bundle

The Welcome Home Bundle shows just how easily this fold can work with a completely different theme. You don't need to reinvent the card design every time you change the stamps.



Summer Happiness Bundle and Washi Tape

The Summer Happiness Bundle, paired with its coordinating washi tape, brings a bright and playful look to the Fold Back Card.

The washi tape is a great reminder that you don't always need another stamped layer to add interest to a card. Sometimes a strip of coordinating washi tape can do the job beautifully.


Silly Old Bear

And finally, I’m using the Silly Old Bear Suite for a completely different look and different orientation.

It’s fun to see how much the personality of the card changes simply by changing the products while keeping the basic layout the same.



Why One Layout Can Make Cardmaking Easier

This is the idea behind this entire series.

If you find a card layout you love, you don't have to reinvent the wheel every time you sit down to create.

Instead, start with the layout.

Then change the:

• Designer Series Paper
• Colors
• Stamps and dies
• Embellishments
• Sentiment
• Orientation

Suddenly, one card idea can become five different cards.

And that can make a big difference when you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed by all the creative possibilities.

Instead of asking, “What card should I make?”, start by asking:

“What can I do with this layout?”

That small change can make creating feel much easier.

Watch One Layout, Five Projects

In the video, I demonstrate how to make the Fold Back Card, then show you five different cards I created using this same layout. It’s a simple way to learn the fold and see how changing the products can give the same card design a completely different look.


I hope this first One Layout, Five Cards feature gives you an idea you can use the next time you sit down to make cards.

Find a layout you love. Make it once. Then try it again with something completely different.

You may be surprised at just how many possibilities are hiding in one simple design.

Every day is a great day to send a card!


Friday, August 21, 2026

August INK & Go Kit | Easy Cardmaking Ideas for 8 Handmade Cards

August INK & Go Kit: Four Cards, Four Different Looks

One of my favorite things about the INK & Go Kit is that you don’t have to start with a blank sheet of cardstock and figure out what to make. I’ve already done that part for you.

Want to Make These Cards?

The August INK & Go Kit includes everything you need to create 8 cards, two each of four designs. You’ll provide your own ink and greeting stamps, and everything else is included.

$25 for local porch pickup or $30 shipped in the U.S.

Order the August INK & Go Kit on Payhip


Each month, I design four different cards and prepare the pieces you need to make two of each design. You provide your own ink and greeting stamps. Everything else you need to make the eight cards is included in the kit.

No searching through your Designer Series Paper.

No trying to decide which colors work together.

No wondering what to make.

Just open the kit and start creating.

And the August kit is a great example of how different four cards can look when you start with the same basic idea: make cardmaking easier.




The Silly Old Bear card is probably the most playful of the four. I used the map-style Designer Series Paper as the background and added the little characters and a stamped sentiment in Golden Glow.

The layered label gives the card some dimension, while the characters bring it to life.

It’s a cheerful design that could work for a birthday, a “thinking of you” card, a baby card or simply a note to someone you enjoy spending time with.




The Violet card has a completely different feel.

The rich Gorgeous Grape card base frames three panels of floral Designer Series Paper, with ribbon tucked behind the greeting to add another layer of interest.

It looks more involved than it actually is. Most of the pieces simply go flat onto the card, with Dimensionals used for the greeting and ribbon.

This is one of those cards where a few simple pieces come together to create a finished look that feels special.




The Lily of the Valley card is a little different again.

The Coastal Cabana pieces are folded on the pre-scored lines to create the unique fold, and the Designer Series Paper and die-cut lily of the valley pieces add plenty of detail.

Even though it looks like there are a lot of layers happening here, the assembly is straightforward. Fold the two pieces, attach the pieces flat, add your greeting, and you have a beautiful card ready to send.




And then there’s the balloon card.

This one is clean, simple and happy. The bright Azure Afternoon and Coastal Cabana balloons stand out against the white background, with just a few embellishments to finish it off.

Sometimes simple really is the best choice.

It’s also a great example of why I like creating four different designs for each INK & Go Kit. You might love the detailed Lily of the Valley card, while someone else would choose the simple balloon card every time.

You get to make both.

Cardmaking without the creative overwhelm.

That’s really the idea behind INK & Go.

I know that coming up with a card design can sometimes be the hardest part of cardmaking. You may have plenty of stamps, cardstock and Designer Series Paper, but sitting down and deciding what to do with all of it can stop you before you even begin.

I want to eliminate that creative overwhelm.

So I make the design decisions for you.

You still get the fun of stamping, assembling and creating something handmade, but you don’t have to figure out the whole project from scratch. Your supplies are already cut, coordinated and ready to go. You just need your ink and greeting stamps.

And when you’re finished, you have eight cards ready to send.

Because that’s the part I really love about cardmaking. It isn’t just about making something pretty and putting it in a box. It’s about having a handmade card ready when you want to tell someone happy birthday, say hello, let them know you’re thinking about them, or simply send a little love.

Make the card. Send the card.

That’s what the August INK & Go Kit is all about.

Four designs. Two of each. Eight cards.

Everything included except your ink and greeting stamps.

And a whole lot less creative overwhelm.

Ready to make some cards?
Get your August INK & Go Kit on Payhip

Saturday, June 27, 2026

June 2026 INK & Go Kit | 4 Handmade Card Tutorials

June 2026 INK & Go Kit is Here!

This month’s INK & Go Kit is ready, and I’m so excited to share these projects with you!

This kit includes supplies to create 8 cards total—2 each of 4 designs—with a fun mix of sweet, playful, and elegant styles. As always, everything is cut and prepared for you, making it easy to sit down and enjoy some creative time.

All you need to add is your favorite greeting stamp, ink, and adhesive.

One of my goals this month was to make the kit experience even better, so I created step-by-step video tutorials for each card design. Whether you’re brand new to cardmaking or a seasoned crafter, these videos will help guide you through each project at your own pace.

Here’s a look at this month’s four designs:

Card #1 – Sweet Jam Jar Card 🍓

This sweet card features the adorable jam jar design and soft floral details. I used the Filled with Sweetness stamp set and stamped the greeting in Strawberry Slush.



Card #2 – Cute Hamburger Birthday Card 🍔

This playful birthday card is sure to bring a smile! I used the Scalloped Blooms stamp set and stamped the greeting in Granny Apple Green.



Card #3 – Berry Botanical Vellum Thinking of You Card 🌸

This elegant card features beautiful Berry Botanical vellum layered over soft florals for a delicate, polished look. The greeting was stamped using Forever Florals in Fresh Freesia.



Card #4 – Hello Ant Card 🐜

This cheerful little card is playful, fun, and perfect for sending a quick hello to brighten someone’s day.




I hope this month’s projects inspire you to slow down, get creative, and send a little kindness through the mail.

Handmade cards have a special way of helping us stay connected, and I’m grateful to be part of your creative journey.

Want more cardmaking inspiration, kits, and tutorials?

🛍️ Shop products:
Rachel’s Stampin’ Up! Store

📚 Explore more kits and tutorials:
Great Minds INK Alike Payhip Shop

Interested in next month’s kit? Be sure you’re on my email list.

Every day is a great day to send a card.

Friday, May 29, 2026

May INK and Go Kits Are Ready!

I think May's INK and Go Kit is one of my favorites yet!

When I started designing these cards, I didn't set out to create such a blue collection, but summertime and water seem to go hand in hand, and that's the direction many of the designs naturally took. The result is a beautiful mix of cards featuring a variety of images and styles, including a lily of the valley, a coastal lighthouse, a pair of summer flip-flops, and a relaxing Adirondack chair.

One of the things I love most about this kit is the variety. Whether you're creating for a birthday, thank you, retirement, thinking of you, or just because, you'll have four unique cards ready to send.

What's Included

Each INK and Go Kit includes everything you need to create 8 (2 each of 4 designs) handmade cards except adhesive, ink, and greeting stamps.

Your kit includes:

  • Pre-cut cardstock pieces
  • Embossed elements
  • Die-cut pieces
  • Ribbon
  • Embellishments
  • Envelopes
  • Full-color tip sheet
  • Access to a step-by-step video tutorial

Due to Stampin' Up! policy, demonstrators are not permitted to provide pre-stamped images or greetings, so you'll supply your own favorite greeting stamp set and ink to complete the cards.

Video Tutorials

This month's kit also includes access to a complete video tutorial. Simply scan the QR code included with your kit to watch the full walkthrough and create along with me.

Card Tutorials

Lily of the Valley Card


Lighthouse Card

Flip-Flop Card


Adirondack Chair Card




Kit Details

May's INK and Go Kit is $25 for porch pick up and $30 for mailed kits.

If you'd like to reserve a future kit or learn more about my monthly INK and Go Kits, be sure to contact me or follow along here at Great Minds INK Alike or follow me on Facebook. 


Saturday, April 4, 2026

My Pre-Order Surprise… and What’s Changing with Stampin’ Up! Catalogs


The Joke Was on Me… My Pre-Order Surprise!

A few days ago I asked a  “this or that” question on Facebook:  Should I open my pre-order right away… or be responsible and get some work done first?

I decided to be responsible and save opening the box as my reward.

Well… the joke was on me.

When I finally opened the box, it wasn’t my pre-order at all! It was a shipment of envelopes and several of the new kits from the Kit Collection.


Not exactly the exciting reveal I was expecting.


The good news is that my actual pre-order has arrived, and this time it really was the fun stuff!

One thing you might notice if you look closely… there are no new In Color stamp pads and only one set of Stampin' Blends.

I’m honestly not quite sure how I managed that. Apparently my excitement got ahead of my checklist when I was placing the order!

So yes… another order went in right away.


Why Demonstrators Get to Pre-Order

One of the perks of being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator is getting to order new products early. This allows us to:

  • Create projects to share with you
  • Design class samples and kits
  • Learn the products before the catalog goes live

It’s one of my favorite parts of a new catalog season because it’s when all the creative ideas start flowing.


A New Catalog System

While we’re talking about new products, you may notice that Stampin’ Up! is changing the catalog system this year.

In the past we had one large annual catalog and two smaller mini catalogs.

Now there will be three catalogs each year, each covering about four months:

  • January – April
  • May – August
  • September – December

These catalogs are a little thinner than the old annual catalog but bigger than the minis, and each one will include the basic supplies and tools you need all year long — things like cardstock, adhesives, inks, and other essentials.

Each catalog will also introduce lots of new products, but some items will carry over from one catalog to the next.

You may also occasionally see products at an event or online that aren’t shown in the current catalog. That’s because some carryover items will remain available in the online store even if they aren’t pictured in the catalog anymore.


Online Exclusives

Stampin’ Up! will also continue releasing Online Exclusives, which are products that are only shown in the online store and not in a printed catalog.

New Online Exclusives are released every other month (the odd months), so if you see something online or at an event and can’t find it in a catalog, it’s probably an Online Exclusive.


Last Chance Lists

To keep things fresh, Stampin’ Up! will also continue releasing Last Chance lists every even month.

This is where retiring or discontinuing items show up — often at a discount — while supplies last.

So if you ever have something on your wish list, it’s a good idea not to wait too long!


Back to My Pre-Order…

Now that my actual pre-order has arrived, the fun part begins — playing with the new products and deciding what will show up in:

  • my Stamp-a-Stack classes
  • future INK and Go kits
  • Stampin' 101 classes
  • upcoming projects and tutorials

And waiting for those In Color stamp pads I somehow forgot!


Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Interactive Bandstand Card Using the Easter Basket Bundle

The Easter Basket Bundle and Easter Joy Suite were perfect for creating a bandstand card, which was my final project for my Vacation Stamping School demonstration. It was so much fun creating these 3-D bandstand cards!



The Easter basket die works beautifully for the front of the bandstand because its size spans the distance between the top and bottom pieces. As you can see, I also made a version using a circle die, which gives a different but equally fun look.


Tip: Adding an Easter Bunny in the basket helps provide extra stability to the front of the card because you can glue the bunny ear to the top with the basket handle. 


You can add as much—or as little—detail to the back of the bandstand as you’d like. If you want room for a message, simply add an extra panel.


For even more interest, try placing a battery-operated light inside the bandstand—it really makes the card come to life!

This wraps up my final post featuring the Easter Basket Bundle. If you missed the earlier Easter Basket Bundle projects, you can find them all here.

Stretch Your Supplies: Spring and Baby Cards with Easter Joy

Let the Paper Do the Work: Easter Cards with the Easter Joy Suite

Boxes, Baskets & Treat Containers—Oh My! | Easter Joy Suite Gift Packaging


Wednesday, January 21, 2026

January INK and Go Card Kit: Easy Cards You’ll Love Sending




With Christmas—and an early-month demonstration—behind me, I was excited to turn my attention to the January INK and Go Card Kit.

Because Stampin’ Up! policy doesn’t allow pre-stamped images, I’m always looking closely at my dies and Designer Series Paper to create cards that are quick, beautiful, and still feel special. January’s kit came together nicely using just that approach.

I like to include a Valentine’s Day card in the January kit, and the Endless Love bundle was the perfect choice. I used the Hearts of Love Embossing Folder, a couple of die cuts, and a few Loose Valentine's Assortment embellishments. All you need to do is add your favorite Valentine’s greeting to the large heart, and you’ll have cards ready to drop in the mail come February.


The Sunshine and Tulips die is ideal for a “to-go” card kit—it features one large, dramatic die cut that really does all the work. To keep things quick and simple, I stuck with a single background color, but can you imagine this card with different colored tulips? So many possibilities!

The Lovely Garden Designer Series Paper (currently on the Last Chance list) is so striking on its own that it hardly needs anything extra. I added a greeting and just a couple of embellishments, and voilà—the card was finished.

I’m also loving Friendly Foliage. It makes a beautiful stamped card, but I was especially happy that it translated so well into an INK and Go style design. It has a completely different look than the stamped version, which makes the bundle feel even more versatile.

I put these kits together each month for porch pick-up, or I’m happy to drop one in the mail. You can message me directly or find them in my Payhip store.


Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Endless Love Tutorial Inspiration

Looking for a little Valentine’s Day inspiration? 💕 You’re going to love this month’s exclusive digital tutorial featuring the Endless Love Bundle.  You can purchase it here!


Created by The Creative Stamping Collective—a collaboration of 12 Stampin’ Up! demonstrators from across the U.S. and Canada—this tutorial is filled with heartfelt ideas perfect for Valentine’s Day and beyond. Each project showcases creative ways to use the Endless Love Bundle to make cards that celebrate love, friendship, and meaningful connections.

When you purchase this digital download, you’ll receive:

  • 12 exclusive project ideas featuring the Endless Love Bundle

  • Full-color photos of each project

  • Complete materials and measurement lists

  • Step-by-step tutorial videos to guide you through every design

The Creative Stamping Collective releases a new tutorial each month, giving you fresh inspiration and exclusive projects you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re creating Valentine cards for loved ones or simply enjoying time in your craft room, this tutorial is a wonderful way to spark your creativity and make something truly special.


Monday, January 12, 2026

Cute as a Bug Side Panel Column Card

I pre-ordered The Cute as a Bug Suite over a month ago and am playing with it for the first time.  It's so cute, and I love that is uses so many different colors. Like so many Stampin' Up! Designer Series Papers, I can't choose my favorite one. So when I was sitting down to create, I decided I'd do a fun fold that would show off two different papers.  



These same ants are in the Designer Series Paper and can be die cut, but I colored them with my blends to save the DSP for another project. I grabbed some of the colors listed on the back of the DSP and colored my ants.  It wasn't until after I finished coloring that I realized I used the same colors as the paper.  Great minds do INK alike!

I've made column cards before so this is a stepped up version - a Side Panel Column card.  Or you may have also see them called a Side Panel Pillar card. It's another great fun fold that goes together easily, but looks impressive.  This won't be the last Side Panel Column card I make this year!


If you would like to see how I made this card, check out my tutorial here:



Sunday, January 11, 2026

Made with Love Double Easel Card

I have really been getting into fun fold cards that are easy to put together but look impressive.  And a Double Easel card does just that!  It stands up for display and it gives the creator a chance to show off more stamping or Designer Series Paper. It doesn't require any special dies, and the measurements are simple.  


I've only made a couple cards with the Made with Love Suite so I thought it was perfect for a Double Easel. After using so much Real Red the last few months, I was happy to pull out my Flirty Flamingo, Strawberry Slush and Bubble Bath for this card.  


Check out my latest tutorial if you want to make one yourself!



Wednesday, January 7, 2026

New Year - New All Occasion Cards

Now that Christmas is over, time to create all occasion cards again.  It was fun to work with new bundles and also an old favorite. If you've stamped with me, you know I try to ask everyone what their favorite card of the night is.  Of course I hope everyone likes them all, but I like hearing everyone's favorites to help me plan for future Stamp-a-Stacks.  I'm happy to say all four cards were chosen as someone's favorite.  

This Z-fold was a great way to show off the versatility of the Pop-Up Petals bundle.  We didn't make a pop-up card this time, but do you recognize the polka dot stamp?  It's the stamp for the center of the flowers!  I borrowed that banner die from Hobby Haven for the front and finished it off with a little ribbon.  



I designed the bee card as a birthday card, but with a couple small tweaks, it could be a valentine card for anyone who needed more than the February valentines we will make at our next Stamp-a-Stack. So happy that Bee My Valentine is still a current stamp set!


This is one of two cards I designed to be a bit more subdued for those stampers asking for sympathy cards.  And this one designed with Lovely Arrangements was great for all occasions - wedding, anniversary, birthday and sympathy.  


This one got a lot of love on Facebook, and I'm so glad everyone liked it.  I was happy to try out the new Lasting Linen background with another new bundle, Friendly Foliage. I think Pretty Peacock and Lost Lagoon were the perfect combination for this thinking of you card.


Saturday, November 15, 2025

Traditions of Christmas Corner Pop-up Fun Fold Card

If you love fun folds that look impressive but are surprisingly easy to create, you’re going to love today’s featured project! This Corner Pop-Up Fun Fold shows off the gorgeous patterns in the Traditions of Christmas Designer Series Paper and gives your a big “wow” factor without complicated steps.



For this version, I used the Traditions of Christmas DSP, and the rich reds, greens, and gold accents really shine. This fold is also a great way to use multiple patterns together while keeping a clean and cohesive look.

I had such a great time making this card, and I think you will too!


Watch the Step-by-Step Tutorial

Want to see exactly how this fun fold comes together?
You can watch the full video here:




In the video, I walk you through the measurements, folding steps, and finishing touches so you can confidently recreate this design at home.

I didn’t want to stop with just one! Below you’ll find photos of additional Corner Pop-Up cards I made, and the first one is another Traditions of Christmas card.  I also used Jolly Delivery, Autumn Wishes, Wildflower Birthday, and Florals in Bloom.  



















Thanks for stopping by—and happy crafting!


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