Pink Fresh Studio The Simple Things Release Blog Hop

There is something I really enjoy about creating cards around everyday objects. A teapot, a little jar, a cup, or even a simple shelf can become the starting point for a card that feels warm and personal. That was exactly my thought when I started working with the new The Simple Things Release from Pinkfresh Studio. For this release blog hop, I wanted to explore the same general collection of images in two different ways—one card using traditional stamping and another using a press plate. The result is two cards that feel related, but each has its own personality.

Pink Fresh Studio The Simple Things Release Blog Hop

For the first card, I worked with the Cottage Keepsakes Press Plate, Cottage Keepsakes Die Set, and Cottage Keepsakes Stencils. I knew I wanted the little collection of teapots, jars, cups, and flowers to feel like they belonged together, so I treated the images almost like a tiny still-life display. The dark brown background was an intentional choice because it gives the colorful images plenty of contrast while also making the white die-cut frame and sentiment stand out. The shelves help create structure, too. Instead of scattering the pressed images across the card, I used the shelves to give each group of objects a visual home. That is a simple design trick you can use with almost any collection of small pressed images—give your images a place to live.

The second card takes those same ideas in a lighter direction with the Cottage Keepsakes Stamp Set, Cottage Keepsakes Die Set, Cottage Keepsakes Stencils. Rather than building the card around a dark background, I used the pressed background (Twist Pattern press plate) as a subtle decorative element and allowed more of the card base to remain open. I added color to the Cottage Keepsakes pressed images with the coordinating stencils, then layered the teapot, cup, jars, and flowers onto the shelves. I really like how the soft background lines add interest without competing with the colored images. This is one of the things I enjoy about press plates: you can create a beautifully detailed background or focal images while still keeping the overall card design relatively clean and simple.

One Collection, Two Different Design Approaches

Creating these two cards side by side was also a good reminder that you don't have to use every image in the same way. The first card is more dramatic because of the dark background and strong contrast. The second feels softer and a little more open. Yet both cards use repetition, layering, and a limited color palette to keep the designs connected. When I'm working with a large stamp collection, I often look for a visual "family" within the images. Repeating colors, shapes, or types of objects can make even a busy collection feel intentional. You don't necessarily need more embellishments—you often just need a little repetition to tie everything together.

Another lesson here is that coordinating stencils don't have to be used only for perfectly colored stamped images. They can also be a great way to establish your color palette before you start adding layers. If you don't have these particular stencils, try using whatever coloring method you already enjoy. Ink blending, colored pencils, alcohol markers, watercolor, or even patterned paper can give you the same basic effect. And if you don't have a press plate, look at your stamps for a detailed background or line-art image that can play a similar supporting role. The goal isn't to duplicate the card exactly; it's to understand what makes the layout work and then translate that idea to the supplies in your own craft room.

For the sentiments, I wanted the two cards to serve different purposes. One became a thank you card, while the other carries the sentiment "Wishing you beautiful moments." I think those everyday sentiments work especially well with this collection because the images themselves have such a cozy, homey feeling. They would also be wonderful for birthday cards, friendship cards, thinking-of-you cards, or even a handmade card simply meant to brighten someone's day. That's one of my favorite characteristics of a good stamp set: when the images aren't locked into one particular occasion, you get much more creative mileage from them.

Pinkfresh Studio The Simple Things Release Blog Hop Giveaways

And, of course, this is a blog hop, so there are some fun giveaways along the way! Pinkfresh Studio will be giving away the full The Simple Things Release on the Pinkfresh blog and YouTube channel. There will also be FIVE $50 Pinkfresh Studio gift cards given away during the hop, with winners selected randomly from the comments. The winners will be announced on October 2, 2026, on the Pinkfresh Studio Giveaway Winner Page. Be sure to check that page if you participate, because winners have two weeks to claim their prize.

As you continue through the hop, I hope you'll look at the projects not just for the products being used, but for the design ideas you can take back to your own craft room. Whether you're stamping, using press plates, stencils, or working with supplies you've had in your stash for years, there is always an opportunity to change the background, simplify the layers, try a different color combination, or give an old favorite technique a fresh look. That's really what I love most about cardmaking—the finished card is only part of the creative process. The ideas behind it can keep inspiring you long after the card is finished.

Thanks for dropping by today I hope that you found a little spark of creative inspiration with my project today. Wondering what I used in this project? Everything is linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails in the Materials Used section, or in the text below. Compensated affiliate links used when possible.

Supplies Used

Here you will find the list of supplies that I used to create today's card. All supplies are linked to supply sources below. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.

Blog Roll

Happy Crafting,

Rick Adkins

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