Learn how to combine stamp sets to create a cheerful handmade scene card! In this cardmaking tutorial, I’m sharing how I used stamping, ink blending, die cutting, colored pencils, and alcohol markers to create an encouraging llama card—and how you can adapt the same scene-building ideas with supplies you already have.

I have always enjoyed making cards for people whose birthdays fall close to a holiday because it gives me an opportunity to combine two themes in a way that feels personal. This Halloween birthday card started with that idea: instead of making a traditional Halloween card or a traditional birthday card, I wanted something that felt like both. The result is a clean and simple easel card with spooky imagery, an orange focal point, and just enough Halloween detail to make an Oct

There is something especially fun about creating a handmade card that tells a little story before the recipient even reads the sentiment. When I started working with the Surprise Mail Stamp Set from the Simon Says Stamp STAMPtember® release, I knew I wanted the mailbox to be the center of attention. From there, the colorful envelopes, gift, and scattered pieces of mail became a playful way to build a birthday scene that feels cheerful without becoming overly complicated. Some

Sometimes a Halloween card needs more than a spooky stamped image to make an impact! For this project, I wanted the card base itself to become part of the design. That is what I love about a diamond stair step fun fold card—it gives you multiple layers, angles, and surfaces to work with, creating a dimensional handmade card before you even begin decorating it. For this Halloween design, the combination of the bold black cardstock, patterned paper, and adorable character image

There is something I really enjoy about taking individual stamped images and turning them into a complete little world on a handmade card. A character stamp is wonderful on its own, but pairing it with the right background can completely change the story the card tells. For this project, I created a fashion-themed city scene using products from the new August 2026 release from Miss Ink Stamps, and I loved watching the separate pieces come together into one cohesive design.

Sometimes a card idea starts with one image that immediately makes me smile, and that was definitely the case with this fashion-forward scene! The combination of a stylish character, a rack of fabulous clothes, and that perfectly sassy “Don’t be ridiculous” sentiment gave me plenty of personality to work with. For this handmade card, I wanted the scene to feel like a tiny fashion studio or boutique while still keeping the overall design easy to understand and enjoy. That bala

Halloween cards are one of my favorite places to let a little personality take over. For this project, I wanted to create a card that felt playful and sassy without relying on a complicated layout. The Mildred Moonspite Stamp Set from Unity Stamp Company immediately gave me the perfect focal point, and combining it with stenciling and alcohol marker coloring allowed me to build a colorful scene while keeping the overall card design clean and easy to follow. This project is a

Halloween cards don’t always have to be packed with spooky patterns, lots of embellishments, and layers of cardstock to make an impact. For this card, I wanted to take a different approach and create something that felt clean and layered at the same time. I love that combination because it gives you the finished, polished look of a more involved card without making the design feel busy. The slightly mischievous couple from the Deadpan Devotion Stamp Set from Unity Stamp Compa

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

I love when a card starts with a simple idea and then grows into something that feels like a little scene on the front of the card. That was exactly what happened with this sweet “You’re Sweet” card featuring the new August 2026 release from C. C. Designs. The combination of whimsical stamped characters, soft pastel colors, and pretty pattern paper immediately made me think of a vintage-inspired springtime look. Rather than letting all of those elements compete for attention,

Have you ever looked at a die set and thought, “I know this was designed for one particular project, but what else could I do with it?” That is one of my favorite questions to ask when I’m cardmaking. I love finding ways to use supplies a little differently, especially when it means getting more versatility from something I already have. For this project, I took the Magic Journal Builder Die from Scrappy Boy Stamps and used it as a cardmaking tool rather than using it for its

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

There's something nostalgic about back-to-school season. Even after all these years, the bright primary colors, stacks of books, and fresh school supplies still inspire me to sit down at my craft table and create. While this card celebrates a student's first day of school, I think it's really about celebrating new beginnings. Whether it's a child starting kindergarten, a teenager heading into high school, or even a teacher preparing for another year in the classroom, a handma

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.

Halloween cards are one of my favorite excuses to experiment with color. They don't always have to be bright oranges and bold purples to feel festive. Sometimes a darker, moodier palette tells the story even better. That's exactly what inspired this card featuring the adorable The Coop is Haunted Stamp Set from Unity Stamp Company...

There is something about creating summer-themed cards that instantly makes me slow down and enjoy the creative process a little more. Bright blue skies, warm sandy beaches, and playful images always remind me that handmade cards don't have to be complicated to tell a story. Sometimes all it takes is a few thoughtfully placed stamped images and a little color to transport someone to a favorite vacation memory.

There's something about a humorous friendship card that never goes out of style. Whether it's celebrating a lifelong friend or sending a little encouragement to someone who appreciates your sense of humor, a card that brings a smile is always worth making. I love creating cards that combine playful images with witty sentiments because they're memorable, personal, and often become keepsakes.

There's something special about creating a card that makes someone laugh before they even open the envelope. Friendship cards don't always have to be elegant or heartfelt—sometimes the best ones are a little quirky, a little unexpected, and full of personality. That's exactly what inspired this project featuring the August New Release from The Rabbit Hole Designs.

Christmas cards don't always have to be elegant or traditional. Sometimes the ones that get the biggest laugh are the ones people remember long after the holiday season is over. That's exactly what inspired today's card featuring the Merry Crisis Stamp Set from Unity Stamp Company. The whimsical Santa, adorable reindeer, and humorous sentiment immediately caught my attention, and I knew they deserved a design that felt just as fun without becoming overly busy.

One of my favorite things about cardmaking is discovering a layout that can be used over and over again. When I find one that works well, I rarely stop at making just one card. Instead, I'll cut enough pieces to create several cards at the same time, changing only a few elements to give each one its own personality. That's exactly what happened with these Halloween cards.