Category: Altenew

The Paper Funday Challenge | November

Published on by Vicky Wright2 Comments

G’Day Friends,

Spring has arrived down under — and with it, a fresh Paper Funday Challenge!  This is our last challenge for the year as we have a rest during December before hitting it again in January.

Our sponsors for November are Altenew & Picket Fence Studios.  The Twist is Merry & Bright!

This month, I reached for the Spring Daisy Stamp Set & Dies by Altenew to create a cluster of lovely daisies bursting with sunny warmth.  Think cheerful oranges, soft yellows, gentle greens and earthy browns — the perfect palette for that early spring glow.  I wanted a design that felt light and airy — like that first warm breeze after winter fades away.

The Process

  1. Card Base: 5 1/4″ x 5 1/4″ white cardstock for a crisp, square shape.
  2. Focal Point: Stamp & create a cluster of daisies in soft yellows, oranges, browns and leaves with greens, die-cut them for a touch of dimension.
  3. Layering: Adhere white cardstock onto an earthy brown cardstock before arranging & layering the daisy cluster.
  4. Sentiment: A simple “Hello Gorgeous” stamped in coordinating colour.
  5. Finishing Touch: A sprinkle of enamel dots.

The Inspiration

I wanted to capture that moment when winter’s chill gives way to sunlight and new blooms peek through the soil.  The daisies set felt like the perfect way to celebrate that quiet but colourful transition.

Join the fun!

  1. Create your project using product from either Altenew or Pick Fence Studios.  Don’t forget, there is always the twist – Merry & bright!

  2. Upload your entry before the deadline

So grab your supplies & let’s get creating.  We can’t wait to see what you make!

Until next time – stay inspired & keep creating!

Vicky
Inspiring Heartfelt Creations, One Beautiful Layer at a Time

Easy Spotlighting with an Embossing Folder | Handmade Birthday Card

Published on by Vicky WrightLeave a comment

G’Day Friends,

Handmade birthday cards are always a special way to show someone you care.  Today, I’m sharing a simple but striking technique called spotlighting – and the best part is, we’re using an embossing folder to make it even easier!

Be sure to check out what Robbie has created.

With just a few supplies, you’ll be able to highlight part of your embossed design while keeping the rest subtle.  This contrast creates a wow factor without requiring lots of complicated steps.  Plus, you can switch out the colours and embossing folder to make this card perfect for any occasion.

Supplies You’ll Need

  • Embossing Folder of your choice – Altenew Flutter & Bloom 3D
  • Cardstock (for base + embossed layer) – Paper Rose Studio White Smooth, Charcoal Black Smooth
  • Ink pads, markers or blending brushes – Altenew Volcano Lake, Warm Sunshine, Turquoise
  • Die-cutting/embossing machine
  • Adhesive
  • Sentiment stamp or die (e.g., “Happy Birthday”) – Paper Rose Studio Super Day
  • Embellishments (optional)

Design Variations

Try a different embossing folder for a whole new look.
Switch up your colour palette – bright and bold for a fun birthday or soft pastels for something elegant.
Use the same technique for other occasions: thank you cards, anniversaries or even holiday cards.Video Tutorial Available:
Want to see this technique in action?  Watch the full video by clicking on the graphic below.

Final Thoughts

Spotlighting with an embossing folder is an easy, versatile technique that makes your handmade cards look professional and polished.  With just a few small tweaks in colour and design, you can create cards for any occasion.

So grab your embossing folders and give this technique a try – I’d love to see what you make!

Until next time – stay inspired & keep creating!

Vicky

Handmade Birthday Card | Thumping Technique with Markers

Published on by Vicky WrightLeave a comment

G’Day Friends,

Once again, Robbie & I are sharing our final projects created using the Thumping Technique.  This technique has been around since the dinosaurs so it’s an oldie, but a goodie.

Click HERE to check out Robbies’s project.

When it comes to handmade cards, a little creativity goes a long way.  Today, I’m sharing a fun and versatile project:  a birthday card design that works beautifully for both male and female recipients.  We’ll be using the thumping technique along with markers, ink pads, and stencils to add unexpected texture and depth. This is a great way to stretch your supplies and create something truly one-of-a-kind!

What is the Thumping Technique?

The thumping technique is a stamping method where you tap or “thump” the tip of a marker directly onto a stamp.  This creates a speckled, multi-toned effect once the image is stamped onto paper.  It’s an easy way to add dimension and interest without needing fancy tools.

Supplies You’ll Need

  • Blank cardstock (any size for your card base) – Stampin’ Up! Crumb Cake base card & Paper Rose Studio Basic White Smooth for my layers & stamping

  • Markers (water-based work best for stamping) – Stampin’ Up! Early Espresso & Basic Grey

  • Ink pads (choose coordinating or contrasting colors) – Altenew Sand Dunes & Stampin’ Up! Smokey Slate

  • Stamp/s (for texture or background stamping) – Stampin’ Up! Enjoy the Moment

  • Stencils (geometric or floral patterns work well) – Tim Holtz Halloween Stamp & Stencil

  • Blending brush or sponge – Altenew Blending Brush

  • Acrylic block or stamping platform

  • Adhesive and embellishments of your choice

  • Finish with embellishments like twine, enamel dots or a metallic accent if desired.

Tips for Customizing

  • For a masculine card: Stick to bold colours (navy, green, brown or grey) and geometric stencils.

  • For a feminine card: Use softer hues (pinks, purples or pastels) with floral or lace stencils.

  • Experiment with different markers for unique thumping results.

  • Swap stencils with other textured items (like bubble wrap) for playful effects.

Be sure to watch the video below to see how I put this card together step by step!

Final Thoughts

This handmade birthday card project is fun, customizable and works for any recipient.  The thumping technique is easy to learn and gives your stamps a whole new look.  Combined with stencils, ink pads and markers, you’ll have a card that feels personal and professional.

Next time you need a birthday card, try this method – it’s a guaranteed way to impress!

Until next time – stay inspired & happy creating!

Vicky

Dry or Wet Embossing for June Paper Funday Challaenge

Published on by Vicky Wright2 Comments

G’Day Friends,

The June challenge over at The Paper Funday Challenges is here.  This month we are sponsored by Pink & Main and Dare2BArtsy.  The twist is Embossing – Wet and / Dry.

For my project today, I’ve gone with the Twist – Dry Embossing and added an inked background.

Now, I am a huge fan of Embossing Folders, so it was a no-brainer for me.  I just had to dig out a brand new Folder – to me anyhow – & put it to good use.

The Embossing Folder has been inked with Chamomile Ink, embossed with White Cardstock, randomly chopped into 3 pieces prior to being layered onto Black Cardstock & then to a Coloured Base Card.

Be sure to pop over to The Paper Funday Challenge Blog to check out what the rest of the Design Team have created along with the entries.  Better still, why not play along with us this month by adding your link over on the blog.

Until next time, have a craft day.

Vicky

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