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How to Add Depth to Die Cuts Using Ink Blending and Pattern Paper
One of the questions I hear most often from cardmakers is how to make die cuts feel less flat—especially if coloring isn’t their favorite part of the process. That was the exact problem I wanted to solve with today’s card. This Valentine’s Day card for a friend focuses on simple layers, thoughtful design choices, and just a touch of ink blending to create depth without adding complexity. I walk through the process on video so you can see how everything comes together visually

Rick Adkins
5 days ago


Valentine’s Day Card Design Tips: Layout, Color & Texture
I recently shared a Valentine’s Day card project over on the C. C. Designs blog , where I walked through the full process using the Swissie Love Stamp Set . That post focuses on the techniques and product use step by step, so today I wanted to do something a little different here on my own blog. This post is all about the thinking behind the card — why the design works, the choices I made along the way, and how you can easily adapt the idea using what you already have in you

Rick Adkins
7 days ago


Robo Buddies Valentine Card Tutorial Using Simon Says Stamp Products
Every once in a while, I like to challenge myself to keep the layout simple while letting the surface do more of the work. That was the mindset behind this Valentine card. I wanted something playful and fun, but still polished—and I also wanted to push a few techniques that many cardmakers tend to shy away from, especially when black cardstock is involved. Using Contrast to Create Visual Impact This card uses the Robo Buddies Stamp Set from the Simon Says Stamp Heart to H

Rick Adkins
Jan 8


Clean & Layered Valentine Card Using Pixi Dust Designs Dies
There’s just something extra special about a clean and layered Valentine card, especially when it has a little touch of magic mixed in. For today’s card, I’m sharing a Valentine’s Day design created with Pixi Dust Designs , and it came together beautifully using the Magic World 6×6 Paper Pad as the starting point. I adhered a piece of patterned paper to a top-folding A2 card base to instantly set the tone, then reached for the Vintage Scroll Die Set . Cutting the scroll piec

Rick Adkins
Dec 31, 2025


Pop Up Block Fun Fold Valentine Card Using Pattern Paper, Dies & Stamps
Fun fold cards are one of my favorite ways to add that wow factor to a handmade card without making things complicated—and today’s Pop Up Block Fun Fold Valentine card is a perfect example of that. This design looks interactive and impressive, but it’s built with simple folds, layered pattern paper, and a few well-chosen dies and stamps. If you enjoy creating cards that fold flat for mailing but pop open with a little surprise, this fun fold design is one you’ll want to kee

Rick Adkins
Dec 30, 2025


Clean & Layered Valentine Card with the Girl Wizard Mug Die
Clean and layered cards are one of my favorite go-to styles, especially when I want something quick but still full of personality. For today’s Valentine card, I kept the layout simple while letting the whimsical details shine using products from Pixi Dust Designs. I started with a top-folding A2 card base and added a strip of patterned paper from the Magic World 6x6 Paper Pad along the bottom. That one little layer instantly adds interest without overpowering the design, mak

Rick Adkins
Dec 24, 2025


Sweet Donut Card with a Simple No Tool Shiny Glaze
Today’s card is a clean and layered donut card that’s sweet, playful, and has just the right amount of shine—without any messy glazes or specialty tools. I used the Mouse Sprinkle Donut Die Set , Fairy Tale Phrases Die Set , and the I Love Theme Parks 6 x 6 Pattern Paper Pack from Scrappy Boy Stamps to create this fun storybook-style design. The colorful patterns paired with soft pinks and browns give this card a cheerful, polished look that works beautifully for birthdays

Rick Adkins
Dec 17, 2025


Trifold Valentine Fun Fold: Video Tutorial | Pixi Dust Designs
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to create something extra special, and what better way than with a fun interactive fold? Today, I’m...

Rick Adkins
Feb 8, 2025


Masculine Valentine's Day Card: Video Tutorial | Miss Ink Stamps
Masculine Valentine’s Day cards can be tricky, right? If you’ve ever found yourself reaching for the same old color palette of blues,...

Rick Adkins
Feb 2, 2025


Unexpected Shaped Card: Henry Twila Valentine Stamp Set | C. C. Designs
One of my favorite things about card making is the creative freedom to break the rules. Who says cards have to be rectangular? Sometimes,...

Rick Adkins
Jan 30, 2025


Love Themed Shaker Cards: Video Tutorial | Valentine Day Cards
Hello, crafty friends! Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to share the love than with a handmade card? Today,...

Rick Adkins
Jan 21, 2025


DIY Valentine's Grandfather Clock Gift Box For Card Makers: Video Tutorial
Hello, friends! Valentine's Day has always been one of my favorite occasions to craft for. There's something so heartwarming about...

Rick Adkins
Jan 13, 2025


Happy Valentine's Day: Fabulous Fuchsias Bundle | Video Tutorial | TRHD
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a handmade card filled with love? Today, I’m...

Rick Adkins
Jan 9, 2025


Create A-Dough-Rable Valentine's Day Card
Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite times to get creative with paper crafting. There’s something about hearts, pinks, and reds that...

Rick Adkins
Dec 28, 2024
