Category: Samples

Create with Candice Challenge #CWCC002 – A Colorful Twist on Christmas!

Sometimes the best inspiration comes from a project you’ve already created! That’s exactly how this month’s Create with Candice Creative Challenge came to life.

Last week, I introduced our second creative challenge, and this time we’re playing with COLOR! 🎨

The Inspiration Behind the Challenge

It all started with a card I created for the Global Design Project’s CASE the Designer challenge featuring Krista Frattin.

I loved the colors in her original design, but since I was using the Holly Jolly Branches Bundle, I wanted to give my card a little more of a Christmas feel.

I started with a Lost Lagoon background and, of course, added Old Olive for my Christmas tree. I swapped in Barely Blush for a softer touch, but the real surprise was my fourth color — Cherry Cobbler!

I had this beautiful, large Cherry Cobbler ribbon that I really wanted to incorporate, so I decided to go bold. To finish things off, I added a little sparkle with Silver Foil Sheets and some Basic White to balance everything out.

Not only did I love how the finished card turned out, but I absolutely fell in love with how these four colors worked together!

And just like that, I had the inspiration for our next challenge!

🎨 Your Challenge: Four Colors, Endless Possibilities!

For Create with Candice Challenge #CWCC002, I’m challenging you to create something using these four Stampin’ Up! colors:

  • Lost Lagoon
  • Cherry Cobbler
  • Barely Blush
  • Old Olive

You can also incorporate neutral colors and a little metallic sparkle, just like I did!

The best part? Your project doesn’t have to be Christmas-themed!

That’s one of the things I love most about color challenges. The same combination can inspire completely different projects depending on the stamps, papers, and designs you choose.

Whether you create a card, scrapbook page, gift packaging, or something entirely different, I can’t wait to see how you bring these colors to life!

A Little More Inspiration!

Of course, I couldn’t stop at just one card!

After creating my original Holly Jolly Branches card, I decided to see how these colors would work with something completely different. I pulled out the Rolling Waves Bundle and created another sample.

Then, during my Monday Live, I went back to the Holly Jolly Branches Bundle, this time playing with a different layout and incorporating the Shining Star Dies, our Product of the Month.

I love how each project has its own personality, even though they’re all using the same four colors!

Be sure to catch the live replay! I’ll show you how I created the whimsical ribbon background and share more about the special textured paper I used. It’s a fun little detail you won’t want to miss!

🦋 Ready to Take the Challenge?

Now it’s your turn!

I hope you love this color combination as much as I do and will join me for this month’s creative challenge.

Challenge Deadline: Saturday, November 21, 2026

That gives you plenty of time to pull out your supplies, get creative, and share your project!

Remember, everyone is welcome to participate, and you don’t have to use Stampin’ Up! products.

Visit my Create with Candice Challenge page for all the details on how to participate and share your creations.

When sharing on social media, be sure to:

  • Use our challenge hashtag #CWCC002
  • Include #CreateWithCandice
  • Tag Stampin’ With Candice so I can find your project and share your creativity with our community!

I can’t wait to see what you create with these colors. Will you go with something festive, or will you surprise me with something completely different?

Happy Creating! 💜

Learn • Connect • Create • Grow

A beautifully crafted Christmas card featuring a window scene that displays a peaceful nativity setting on one side, while the inside is adorned with cozy holiday elements like hanging stockings and warm colors.

💕 Let’s Stay Connected

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CandiceLeave a comment

Shining Stars & Holly Jolly Branches | Global Design Project #GDP568

This week’s Global Design Project Challenge #GDP568 was another fun CASE the Designer challenge, featuring the talented Krista Frattin!

All week long, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to create for this challenge. I had a few ideas floating around, but nothing was really coming together. Then, toward the end of the week, my Stampin’ Up! order arrived with this month’s Product of the Month — the Shining Stars Dies! ⭐

OMG! I was so excited to get my hands on these dies, and as soon as I saw them, I knew they would be perfect for this challenge!

I decided to pair them with the Holly Jolly Branches Bundle and step a little outside my usual Christmas color palette. I took inspiration from Krista’s beautiful colors, changing them up just slightly to give my card a more festive feel.

And I have to say, I absolutely LOVE how it turned out!

Creating the Background & Adding Layers

I started with Lost Lagoon for my background, stamping a subtle pattern of stars using white ink. I love how the soft white stars add interest without taking away from the focal point.

Next, I stamped my Christmas tree in Old Olive and began building layers with the Holly Jolly Branches Bundle and Shining Stars Dies.

To add a little sparkle, I die-cut several trees and stars using Silver Foil Sheets. I love how the metallic accents catch the light and give the card that extra touch of holiday magic!

A Sneak Peek at Something New!

One of my favorite details on this card might be a little difficult to see in the pictures.

The greeting, several of the trees, and some of the stars were all die-cut from the new Textured Canvas Specialty Paper, coming in November as part of Stampin’ Up!’s Online Exclusives!

This paper is so cool! It adds a beautiful, soft texture to your projects, but what’s even better is that you can stamp directly onto it!

I also used a Blending Brush to add Old Olive ink to a few of the canvas stars, giving them a little extra color and dimension. It’s such a simple way to customize the paper while still allowing that wonderful texture to show through.

One of the things I love most about being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator is getting early access to new products like this!

And speaking of being a demonstrator, there’s an awesome joining special happening in October! If you’ve ever thought about joining my team, I’d love to share more with you. You can also visit the GROW section of my blog to learn more about the creative opportunities and benefits of being part of my team.

Ribbon, Stars & a Little Whimsy

To finish building my design, I added some Barely Blush stars and ribbon, along with the new Cherry Cobbler Striped Grosgrain Ribbon.

We’ve had ribbon similar to this in the past, and it’s always been one of my favorites for Christmas projects. There’s just something about those festive stripes!

But did you notice the wispy ribbon flurries tucked behind the trees?

This is such a fun technique, and it’s one I recently shared when creating my Spooktacular Gift Bags!

By carefully pulling out one of the main threads from the ribbon, you can separate the fibers and create these wonderful, delicate wisps. I tucked them behind my trees, letting them loop and flow naturally across the card.

I love how they add movement, texture, and a little bit of whimsy without overwhelming the design.

For the finishing touches, I added a few Iridescent Pearls and layered my Lost Lagoon panel onto Cherry Cobbler cardstock, all mounted on a Barely Blush card base.

Those little details really brought everything together!

Sometimes the Best Projects Are the Unexpected Ones!

When I first sat down to create this card, I really wasn’t sure how it was going to turn out. I had a general idea, a new set of dies I couldn’t wait to play with, a color palette that was a little different from my usual Christmas combinations, and beautiful challenge sample for inspiration.

But once I started creating, everything came together surprisingly easily!

I love the mix of textures, the unexpected colors, and all those wonderful layers. It’s definitely one of those cards that looks more complicated than it actually is and has that WOW factor I love!

That’s one of the reasons I enjoy participating in creative challenges so much. They encourage me to try something different, look at my supplies in a new way, and sometimes discover combinations I might never have thought to use.

What do you think? Would you use Lost Lagoon, Old Olive, Barely Blush, and Cherry Cobbler for a Christmas card?

Have You Gotten Your Shining Stars Dies Yet?

If the Shining Stars Dies aren’t already on your wish list, you might want to add them! ⭐

They’re this month’s Stampin’ Up! Product of the Month, which means you can purchase them for just $5 with a qualifying $75 order!

I have a feeling these dies are going to be popular, so I wouldn’t wait too long if you want to grab a set before they’re gone.

Ready to shop? Visit my online store at candiceanderson.stampinup.net.

And remember to check out the other amazing creations for #GDP568. There’s always so much inspiration to be found!

Happy Stamping!

Learn • Connect • Create • Grow 🦋

A beautifully crafted Christmas card featuring a window scene that displays a peaceful nativity setting on one side, while the inside is adorned with cozy holiday elements like hanging stockings and warm colors.

💕 Let’s Stay Connected

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Candice1 Comment

Easy Gift Card Holder Fun Fold

Monday’s Live was another Make It With Me Monday, and this month I featured an easy-to-create fun fold gift card holder.

What I love most about this design is just how versatile it is! You can use virtually any Designer Series Paper, stamps, dies, punches, or accessories you already have to completely change the look. And because the gift card is tucked right inside, it’s the perfect gift and card all in one.

Creating the Basic Gift Card Holder

The basic layout starts with a standard 8-1/2″ x 11″ piece of cardstock.

Cut the cardstock lengthwise at 4-1/4″, giving you a piece measuring 4-1/4″ x 11″. Score at 5-1/2″ to create your standard card fold.

To create the gift card pocket, cut 1″ in from one end. Fold this section inward and adhere only along the bottom and outside edge, leaving the inside open so you can slide your gift card into the pocket.

It really is that easy!

All of the designs I shared this week open lengthwise, but don’t let that limit you. You can easily turn the design to create a horizontal card or move the gift card pocket to the opposite side.

I’ve actually used this basic idea before with stamped designs rather than Designer Series Paper. You can check out some of those older projects here: See my previous gift card holder projects

One Layout, Lots of Possibilities

For Monday’s Live, I created my project using the Spooktacular Designer Series Paper for a fun Halloween version. I also shared four additional samples to show just how different this same layout can look when you change the paper, colors, and embellishments.

That’s one of my favorite things about finding a good layout—you don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time you sit down to create. Save the basic design and pull it out whenever you need a quick birthday, thank-you, holiday, congratulations, or just-because gift.

Be sure to watch the replay to see exactly how the card comes together and pick up a few of my tips and tricks along the way.

Find More Inspiration in My Creative Resource Library

My Free Tutorial Library is continually growing as I add new content, but I’m also building it into a resource that helps you quickly find past projects I’ve shared on my blog, YouTube, and social media—all together in one easy-to-find place.

Want access? It’s easy! Join my Creative Resource Community. Along with access to the Free Tutorial Library, you’ll join my email list and receive my newsletter with updates on new tutorials, classes, creative inspiration, and more.

However you choose to be creative, I hope you’ll continue to allow me to inspire you along your creative journey. 🦋

Learn • Connect • Create • Grow

A beautifully crafted Christmas card featuring a window scene that displays a peaceful nativity setting on one side, while the inside is adorned with cozy holiday elements like hanging stockings and warm colors.

💕 Let’s Stay Connected

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Candice1 Comment

DIY Spooktacular Gift Bag Tutorial for Unique Halloween Treats

When I first saw the Spooktacular 6″ x 6″ Designer Series Paper, I just knew I had to have it! It was one of the first things from my wish list that I ordered. Of course, it took me a little while to actually find the time to create with it—but it was definitely worth the wait!

I knew I wanted to create some kind of fun Halloween gift box using those adorable monster faces. As I started playing around with the paper and experimenting with different ideas, I actually came up with this gift bag completely by accident.

And I absolutely fell in love with it! 👻🎃

I love how the angled sides let you see even more of that cute Designer Series Paper, while the coordinating handle, layered BOO tag, wispy ribbon, and stamped tissue paper add all those little finishing touches. And because each sheet features a different monster, you can create a whole collection of bags, each with its own personality!

You love it too, right?

And if you don’t already have the Spooktacular Designer Series Paper, I have a feeling it’s going to be on your wish list after seeing these!

Ready to Make Your Own?

I’ve made it easy for you with my Spooktacular Gift Bag Tutorial.

For just $7, you’ll receive a 5-page downloadable PDF tutorial complete with:

  • Step-by-step instructions and photos
  • Cutting and scoring measurements
  • Complete supply list
  • Helpful tips for assembling and embellishing your bag
  • A video tutorial so you can follow along with me from start to finish

Need Supplies?

Want to create the bags but you’re missing some of the supplies? I’ve made that easy too!

Use my Stampin’ Up! project link to see the products I used and add only the items you need directly to your shopping cart.

I Can’t Wait to See Yours!

One of my favorite things about sharing my projects is seeing how they inspire your creativity. Change the colors, embellishments, tags, or treats and make these little bags your own!

When you create your Spooktacular Gift Bag, be sure to tag me when you share it. I always love seeing what my projects have inspired you to create.

No matter where your creative journey takes you, I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s learn, create, connect, and grow together—one project at a time. 🦋

A beautifully crafted Christmas card featuring a window scene that displays a peaceful nativity setting on one side, while the inside is adorned with cozy holiday elements like hanging stockings and warm colors.

💕 Let’s Stay Connected

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Candice1 Comment

Peek-a-Boo Scenic Coast Fun Fold Tutorial

A few weeks ago, I shared this easy peek-a-boo fun fold during my Monday night live featuring the beautiful Scenic Coast Suite. After receiving several requests for the measurements and instructions, I finally had a chance to put together a complete tutorial!

There are two things I especially love about this card. First is the peek-a-boo feature. The opening creates a beautiful frame that lets you showcase both the Designer Series Paper and the coordinating die-cut images.

The second is how I used the Designer Series Paper for the die cuts themselves. By strategically cutting the 6″ × 6″ paper, I was able to take advantage of the colors and details already in the artwork, giving the die-cut images extra dimension, texture, and interest.

And the best part? This fun fold looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to create!

Take a Closer Look

Check out this quick video for a closer look at all three versions of the Peek-a-Boo Scenic Coast Fun Fold.

Want to Make One?

I’ve put everything together in one convenient resource so you can recreate the project at your own pace.

Your Peek-a-Boo Scenic Coast Fun Fold Tutorial includes:

  • Step-by-step online instructions with photos
  • Complete materials and cutting guide
  • Downloadable and printable PDF tutorial
  • Full video tutorial
  • Complete project supply list
  • Helpful tips for creating all three variations

Get the Complete Tutorial for Just $7

Once your purchase is complete, you’ll receive immediate access to the tutorial page, where you can follow the instructions online, download your printable PDF, or craft along with the video.

Already Have the Tutorial?

Need supplies to create your own Peek-a-Boo Scenic Coast Fun Fold?

Click the Shop Now button below to view the complete project supply list. From there, you can select the items you need, add them to your cart, and continue shopping for anything else on your wish list.

Looking for More Creative Inspiration?

Be sure to join my email list! Subscribers receive access to my Free Tutorial Library, filled with projects, ideas, and resources to help you keep creating.

No matter where your creative journey takes you, I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s learn, create, connect, and grow together—one project at a time. 🦋

A beautifully crafted Christmas card featuring a window scene that displays a peaceful nativity setting on one side, while the inside is adorned with cozy holiday elements like hanging stockings and warm colors.

💕 Let’s Stay Connected

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CandiceLeave a comment

Create Stunning Christmas Cards: CASE Techniques

This week’s Global Design Project challenge, #GDP560, is another fun CASE the Designer challenge, featuring Charlet Mallett!

I love CASE challenges because there are so many different directions you can take the inspiration. You can focus on the colors, layout, technique, or even just one little element that catches your eye.

For my card, I chose to focus on Charlet’s background technique and a similar layout, but gave it a Christmas twist using the Pretty Poinsettia Bundle. 🎄

I absolutely love how the soft background adds interest without competing with that gorgeous poinsettia. It really helps the rich colors and dimension of the flower pop!

That’s one of my favorite things about CASEing another designer—you can start with the same inspiration and create something completely your own. ❤️

Want to See How It Comes Together?

Check out my reel for a quick recap of how to create this stunning card!

Then use these quick tips when creating your own:

  • Create your own stencil. Cut the leaves from a thick piece of paper. I used one of the cardboard backers from a Designer Series Paper pack. Keep an extra piece handy to cover any open areas as you move the design around your background.
  • Start with watercolor paper. For the best results with this background technique, watercolor paper gives you a little more freedom to work with the water and ink.
  • Make your own color spritz. Add a few drops of reinker to a color spritzer along with water to create the soft background color.
  • Add some splatters. A Water Painter makes it quick and easy to add those little splatters of color that give the background even more interest.
  • Give your poinsettia dimension. Ink the edges of the poinsettia petals and leaves, then gently curl them with a Bone Folder before assembling. This adds beautiful depth and texture.
  • Customize your Rhinestones. Use Stampin’ Blends to add color to your Rhinestones so they coordinate perfectly with your project.

✨ Want to create your own?
Click here for a complete list of the products I used and an easy way to place your order.

No matter where your creative journey takes you, I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s learn, create, connect, and grow together—one project at a time. 🦋

A beautifully crafted Christmas card featuring a window scene that displays a peaceful nativity setting on one side, while the inside is adorned with cozy holiday elements like hanging stockings and warm colors.

💕 Let’s Stay Connected

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CandiceLeave a comment