Have you ever sat down to make a card, pulled out a stamp set or die set, and then immediately started looking for a sketch or sample card to copy? I know I have, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with using sketches, tutorials, and other cards for inspiration because they can be incredibly helpful, especially when you are learning a new technique or trying to figure out how to get started with a particular product.

There’s something special about making a card for the first day of school. It’s one of those occasions where a handmade card doesn’t have to be complicated to feel meaningful. For this project, I wanted to create a clean and simple design that let the stamped image and coloring do most of the work. I’m using the Off We Grow Stamp Set from Unity Stamp Company along with alcohol markers, but the bigger idea behind this card is one you can use with almost any stamp set in your s

Learn how to use bold pattern paper without overwhelming your handmade cards.

When you look at a finished handmade card, it's easy to notice the stamps, dies, patterned paper, or coloring first. Those are often the most eye-catching elements. But after years of making cards, I've learned that the supplies aren't what make a design successful. It's the design principles behind them.

Have you ever finished a card and felt like something just wasn't quite right? Maybe you added another embellishment, another die cut, or another splash of color, hoping it would pull everything together. Sometimes those additions help—but often, the real solution starts much earlier in the design process.