Tag: Across the Waves

Easy Birthday Card | Thumping Technique | Across the Waves

Published on by Vicky WrightLeave a comment

G’Day Friends,

Looking for a simple but stunning handmade card idea?  Today’s project combines Coastal Colours of Coastal Cabana, Basic Grey & Night of Navy to create an easy birthday card that works beautifully for any season.

Throught out the month of September, Robbie & myself are sharing ideas & inspiring on creating projects with the Thumping Technique.

Check out Robbie’s project HERE.

The thumping technique is a fun way to add texture and depth to stamped images.  Paired with glimmer paper and a bold leaf design, this project is quick, elegant and easily customizable.

Why you’ll love this project:

  • Easy enough for beginners.

  • Beautiful results in under 20 minutes.

  • Can be adapted for male or female cards just by changing colours.

Supplies Used

  • Leaf stamp – any large leaf image works – Georgeous Leaves Stamp Set

  • Ink pads in coastal/sea-inspired shades – e.g., Coastal Cabana, Pool Party, Bermuda Bay

  • Markers for the thumping technique – Basic Grey, Night of Navy

  • White cardstock – White Smooth – Paper Rose Studio

  • Glimmer paper (gold or silver) – Blue colours

  • Sentiment stamp (Happy Birthday or your choice)

  • Adhesive & trimmer

Step-by-Step

  1. Ink your leaf stamp with a light base colour.

  2. Use markers to “thump” randomly over the stamp – tap the tip lightly in different shades to create dimension.

  3. Stamp onto cardstock for a multicolour, textured look.

  4. Add a strip or die-cut piece of glimmer paper for sparkle.

  5. Stamp your sentiment and assemble the card.

  6. Finish with a small bow from twine & embellishment.

Variations

  • Masculine Card:  Swap coastal shades for deep blues, greens or earth tones (e.g., Mossy Meadow, Night of Navy, Early Espresso).

  • Autumn Card: Use Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry and Cherry Cobbler for warm fall vibes.

  • Birthday Card: Keep it light and bright with teals and aqua shades plus silver glimmer.

Check out the step-by-step video tutorial by clicking on the graphic below showing how to put the card together from start to finish.

Until next time – stay inspired & keep creating!

Vicky

Across the Waves | Thumping Technique

Published on by Vicky WrightLeave a comment

G’Day Friends,

It’s a new month & that means Robbie & myself are sharing ideas throughout the month with a brand new theme & that is an oldie, but goodie – “Thumping Technique”!

Be sure to check out to see what Robbie has created with this technique, by clicking HERE.

One of the most enjoyable parts of stamping is trying out new techniques that add depth, texture and personality to your handmade cards.  Today, I’ll walk you through the thumping technique – a playful inking method perfect for leaf images – and show you how to create an all-occasion card that’s both versatile and eye-catching.

What Is the Thumping Technique?

The thumping technique involves colouring your stamp with markers and then “thumping” (tapping) other colors randomly over the surface with the side of your marker.  This creates a blended, variegated look that’s perfect for nature images like leaves.  No two impressions will ever be the same, which makes your card completely unique.

Supplies

  • Halloween Stamps/Stencil – Tim Holtz
  • Pool Party Cardstock – Stampin’ Up!
  • Basic White Smooth Cardstock – Paper Rose Studio
  • Charcoal Black Smooth Cardstock – Paper Rose Studio
  • Pool Party Ink – Stampin’ Up!
  • Shy Shamrock Marker – Stampin’ Up!
  • Summer Splash Marker – Stampin’ Up!
  • Linen 3D Embossing Folder – My Stash
  • Black Ebony Nuvo Drops

Measurements at a Glance

  • Card Base – 8 1/4″ x 5 7/8″ / 20.9cm x 14.9cm
  • Charcoal Black Smooth Cardstock– 1 x 5 3/8″ x 3 5/8″ / 13.6cm x 9.2cm
  • Charocoal Black Smooth Cardstock – 3 x 1 1/2″ x 2 1/4″ / 3.8cm x 5.7cm
  • Basic White Smooth Cardstock – 1 x 5 1/4″ x 3 1/2″ / 13.3cm x 8.8cm
  • Basic White Smooth Cardstock – 3 x 1 3/8″ x 2 1/8″ / 3.4cm x 5.3cm
  • Basic White Smooth Cardstock – Scrap for sentiment

Click on the graphic below to view the video and see how you can create your own version of this card using the Thumping technique!

This Works for All Occasions

Leaf motifs are timeless and versatile.  Whether you stamp them in bright greens for spring, warm tones for autumn or even icy blues for winter, the result is a card that works for birthdays, thank you’s, thinking-of-you notes and more.

Tip – Keep a set of stamped leaf panels ready in your craft stash.  When you need a last-minute card, just add a sentiment, mount it and you’re done!

Until next time – stay inspired & keep creating!

Vicky

Easy Square Card | Across the Waves | Elodie Paper Collection

Published on by Vicky WrightLeave a comment

G’Day Crafty Friends!

It’s time for another fun installment for our Across the Waves where we’ve been playing with Stripes or Dots for our monthly theme.  Once again, I’m creating with the soft and serene papers from the Elodie 6 x 6 Paper Pad Collection by Mintay Papers.

Click HERE to see what Robbie has created.

For today’s cardmaking session, I created an easy square card using delicate patterned papers in pinks and blues, along with the sweetest bird and nest motifs.  These designs feel gentle and uplifting – perfect for a baby card, a thinking-of-you note or simply to brighten someone’s day.

Here’s what makes this project special –

  • Soft, pretty papers – The pastel colour palette creates a peaceful vibe
  • Birds and nest elements – Symbolic and heartwarming, perfect for cozy handmade sentiments
  • Stripes and dots – Subtle background textures that add visual interest without overwhelming
  • Square format – A refreshing change from the usual card shapes – compact, balanced, and elegant
  • Beginner-friendly – No complex techniques, just simple layers and sweet embellishments

This is a great example of how a few beautiful supplies and a soft colour story can come together to create meaningful cards in no time.  Whether you’re working from a kit or using what’s already in your stash, this theme is all about playing with gentle patterns and shapes to make something special.

Click the graphic below to watch the full tutorial on YouTube!

Don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe for more easy cardmaking ideas!

What do you prefer – stripes or dots?  Leave a comment and let me know!

Thanks for joining me today and stay tuned for more soft and simple card inspiration next week.

Happy crafting!

Vicky

Across the Waves | July Theme | Dots & Stripes | Soft Tones | Easy Layout

Published on by Vicky WrightLeave a comment

G’Day Friends,

This month’s cardmaking journey takes us Across the Waves into a dreamy pastel palette of soft pinks and soft blues, paired with the timeless charm of dots and stripes.  It’s a refreshing, summery combo that brings a sense of calm and joy — perfect for slowing down and getting creative.

For July’s theme, I created a sweet and simple card layout featuring a stripely pattern teamed with a Stitched Arch Die as the central frame.  This shape adds a beautiful sense of flow and movement, echoing the gentle rhythm of waves!  Check out that lovely girl on a bike die cut, full of carefree summer energy.

Wonder what Robbie created?  Click HERE to see her project.

Why This Layout Works –

  • The stitched arch die adds dimension and soft structure.

  • Stripes bring in subtle contrast without overwhelming the soft palette.

  • Soft pinks and blues keep the look light, airy, and cohesive.

  • The girl on the bike adds a playful, whimsical touch — like a storybook moment on paper.

This is a layout you can easily adapt for birthdays, thinking-of-you card, or just a sweet summer hello.  Swap in different colors or focal elements to make it your own, but the bones of the design are flexible and beginner-friendly.

Supplies Used –

  • Stitched Arch Dies for the main frame

  • Elodie Patterned Papers in stripes – soft pinks & blues

  • Elodie Girl on bike Die Cuts

  • Foam Tape for dimension

  • Sentiment Strip (optional)

Want to see how this card come together?  Check out the full project on my YouTube Channel by clicking on the image below!

If you’re looking for a quick and easy cardmaking project that still feels elegant and layered, this layout might be your new favourite.  It’s also a great stash-buster for leftover patterned papers or soft-colored scraps.

Let me know if you give this theme a try – I’d love to see your take on it!

Until next time – stay inspired and keep creating!

Vicky

Easy Card with Indigo Bloom Collection for Across the Waves

Published on by Vicky WrightLeave a comment

G’Day Friends,

Our Across the Waves theme for July is all about Dots & Stripes and I couldn’t resist diving into my stash to create something soft, simple and serene with the beautiful, band new Indigo Bloom Card Collection by Uniquely Creative.

Be sure to check out Robbie’s project HERE.

A Fresh Take on Dots & Stripes

For this card, I paired the classic contrast of the Simple Dots 3D Embossing Folder with a few “stripes” created with a Scoring Tool or Paper Trimmer.  It was finished off with a delicate pastel palette from the matching Indigo Bloom Creative Cuts.  The result is a gentle, feminine card that’s perfect for a variety of occasions – birthdays, thank yous or just because.

Key Design Elements –
  • Colour Palette – I chose the soft colours from the collection to create my card – soft pastel pinks & blues to set the tone.
  • Textures & Layers – The Simple Dots 3D Embossing Folder along with the “stripes”  adds a subtle tactile layer.
  • The Star of the Show – Creative Cuts from the Indigo Bloom Collection gave me just the right mix of florals, soft tones and elegant patterns.
  • Finishing Touches – A simple sentiment square shape and gorgeous Champagne Rhinestones add just the right amount of polish without overwhelming the soft design.

Supplies Used –

  • Indigo Bloom Card Collection
  • Simple Dots 3D Embossing Folder
  • Indigo Bloom Creative Cuts
  • White & Navy Cardstock
  • Foam Tape, Adhesive, Paper Trimmer, Scoring Tool
  • Embellishments – Champagne Rhinestones
 Why This Card Works –
  • Beginner-friendly – no complicated techniques
  • Quick to make – under 20 minutes start to finish
  • Versatile – change the sentiment to suit the occasion
  • Challenge-ready – fits perfectly with this month’s Dots & Stripes theme

Click the graphic below to watch the full tutorial on YouTube!

Don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe for more easy cardmaking ideas!

Until next time – stay inspired and keep creating!

Vicky