Search


Paper Rose Studio Mistletoe Market: Pinwheel Fun Fold Card Tutorial
I love a card design that looks more complicated than it really is, and a Pinwheel Fun Fold is definitely one of those designs! For these two Christmas cards, I wanted to see how much personality I could get from one basic fold simply by changing the way I used the patterned paper and embellishments. The result is two festive cards that feel different even though they share the same basic layout. I used the beautiful Mistletoe Market 6x6 Pattern Paper, Mistletoe Market Cut-a-

Rick Adkins
Aug 25


How to Make Clean and Simple Fall Cards with Stamping and Alcohol Markers
I’ll admit it—sometimes I love a card that doesn’t need much fuss. There’s something really satisfying about stamping one beautiful image, adding some thoughtful coloring, and letting the design breathe. That was exactly the idea behind these three fall cards featuring the Mice & Cozy Stamp Set from Unity Stamp Company. I wanted the stamped scenes and alcohol marker coloring to do most of the work, while keeping the finished cards approachable enough that a newer cardmaker co

Rick Adkins
Aug 20


Stop Following the Rules: 5 Ways to Make Your Cardmaking More Creative
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.

Rick Adkins
Aug 20


Why Every Crafter Needs a Killer True Crime Card in Their Stash
I have to admit, there is something especially fun about making a card that is just a little bit unexpected. Not every friendship card needs flowers, hearts, or a sweet sentiment, and this true crime friendship card is a perfect example! When I saw the possibilities in the True Crime Stamp Set from Miss Ink Stamps, I knew I wanted to keep the design clean and simple while letting the stamped images do most of the storytelling. The result is a card that feels sassy and a littl

Rick Adkins
Aug 15


How to Make a First Day of School Card with Stamping and Alcohol Markers
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

Rick Adkins
Aug 13


How to Balance Patterned Paper and Stamped Images on a Handmade Card
One of my favorite things about cardmaking is finding that sweet spot between a background that adds interest and a stamped image that still gets to be the star of the show. Patterned paper can be beautiful, but it can also compete with your focal point if we're not careful. On this friendship card, I wanted to use a fairly bold patterned paper while still keeping the little dragon front and center.

Rick Adkins
Aug 8


How to Make a Halloween Square Tri Fold Card with Stamping and Pattern Paper
Halloween cards are one of my favorite opportunities to step outside my usual design comfort zone. While I enjoy creating clean and simple cards throughout the year, Halloween gives me permission to play with rich colors, bold patterns, and interactive layouts that tell a story the moment someone opens the card. For this project, I wanted the card itself to become part of the experience. Instead of creating a traditional front-and-center design, I chose a square tri fold layo

Rick Adkins
Aug 5


Let the Cards Fall Where They May | Spotlight Stamping Technique
Sometimes the most interesting cards come from letting a few creative constraints guide the process. For today’s project, I pulled four prompts from my Creative Card Deck for my Draw Four Make a Card series and challenged myself to see where they would lead. The prompts gave me a technique, a color direction, and even a design rule—which meant the creative decisions were mostly made before I even picked up a stamp. The result is a spring hello card featuring a spotlight st

Rick Adkins
Mar 14


Simple Puppy Cards on Kraft | One Layer Designs with Unity Stamps
Today I’m sharing a set of simple one layer cards that completely stole my heart. These sweet little pups from the Puppy Paws Stamp Set by Unity Stamps look absolutely adorable on kraft cardstock, and I love how the warm tone makes the colored pencils pop. I started by creating top-folding A2 card bases from 110 lb Kraft Cardstock , then stamped each puppy in Memento Tuxedo Black . A little soft shading with colored pencils brought each image to life, giving them that cozy

Rick Adkins
Dec 2, 2025


Halloween Cards Even A Beginner Can Make: Video Tutorial
As Halloween approaches, I always find myself getting a little more creative in the craft room. There's something about the spooky season...

Rick Adkins
Aug 13, 2024
