Category: Retired Stamps

Day 22 – A Little Bit of Festive Flora & Oh Deer!

Silly Deer Mishaps + Paper Pumpkin Fun

Today’s challenge theme brought together two fun ideas: festive flora and oh deer—and that instantly reminded me of this month’s Paper Pumpkin kit and its adorably silly deer mishaps. The original kit was designed to create cute tags and gift boxes, but you know me… I couldn’t resist turning those tags into full cards!

A layout sketch for a card-making challenge, featuring a framed design in pale pink against a light blue background.

The TGIFC551 Sketch Challenge (even though it’s finished now) was the perfect layout inspiration. I loved the balance and simplicity of the sketch, and it translated beautifully to both tag designs in the kit.

Transforming the Tag into a Card

To bring out the playful “oh deer!” vibe, I reached for one of my favorite retired sets: Cookie-Cutter Christmas (#142043) with the coordinating punch. That sweet little deer was exactly what the project needed.

I added a festive pop using the Real Red Shiny Ribbon (#165876)—a tiny bow with a big holiday statement!

For the card base, I stamped the Linen Background Stamp (#167107) to add soft texture without overwhelming the design. It really ties everything together and gives the card a more polished look.

The end result?
A fun, festive, simple-to-create card that came together quickly and still feels special and works for both the challenges.

Bonus Card!

Two handmade Christmas cards featuring festive designs, one with a reindeer and a red ribbon, and the other with holiday greenery and a bow.
A handmade Christmas card featuring a festive red and green tag design, adorned with a white bow and greenery, and a 'Merry Christmas' sentiment.

Since I loved the layout so much, I used the second tag design from the kit to create an additional card using the same sketch. Paper Pumpkin always makes it so easy to branch out and try new ideas—whether you follow the directions as-is or grab your supplies and create something entirely different.

Why I Love Paper Pumpkin

These kits are truly creativity sparkers:
✨ Quick projects
✨ Beautiful designs
✨ Endless alternate possibilities

And you never miss out when you’re subscribed!

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Be sure to sign up so you always get your kit—
or even better, save on prepaid subscriptions starting December 1st!

Promotional image for Paper Pumpkin subscription featuring customizable sentiment stamps and a floral design on a watercolor background.
A card featuring the message 'miss you so much' surrounded by decorative paper cutouts of leaves and flowers, with gold sequins on a textured blue background.
Graphic promoting Cyber Monday savings for Paper Pumpkin subscriptions, featuring a decorative box with tissue paper against a red background.

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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.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Contact me today to place your order!
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andersoncandice@hotmail.com

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Day 20 – Blessings of the Season

Scripture-Based Messages + Color Challenge #4

Today’s project blended two beautiful inspirations: Blessings of the Season, which called for scripture-based messages paired with gentle imagery, and Color Challenge #4 featuring the Concord & 9th palette of Nectar, Eucalyptus & Blueberry.

To coordinate with Stampin’ Up! colors, I selected Petal Pink, Soft Sea Foam, and Misty Moonlight—a soft and elegant combination that worked perfectly with the peaceful feel of the theme.

Simple, Elegant & Meaningful

For this card, I kept the design very simple to allow the scripture and imagery to shine.

I reached for the Gift of Joy Stamp Set (#169238) and used the lovely three-step flower images. The layered stamping made it easy to incorporate all three challenge colors while still keeping the design airy and light.

For my sentiment, I chose a scripture greeting from the retired Blessings of the Season set (#139919). After stamping, I die-cut it using the Textured Notes Dies (#165555) and then matted it with Petal Pink for just a touch of warmth.

Connecting the Details

To pull the design together, I stamped the flower images in opposite corners—top and bottom—creating a natural frame for the sentiment.

Then came one of my favorite parts: using a Blender Pen and a ruler to draw a soft dashed border connecting the two floral corners. Such a simple technique, but it adds so much charm! Once the entire panel was complete, I cut around it for a polished look.

For the background, I added a layer of Soft Sea Foam stamped with the brand-new Lasting Linen stamp (#167107). This subtle texture gives the finished card a gentle richness without overpowering the simplicity.

The Finished Card

The final result is simple, elegant, and filled with meaning—a quiet, beautiful design built around scripture, soft florals, and one of my favorite color combinations this season.

I love how this one turned out, and I can’t wait to try it again with different sayings in the center. It would be so easy to switch it up for birthdays, sympathy, encouragement, or even a simple “thinking of you.”

Sometimes the simplest layouts are the most versatile.

👉 You can shop current Stampin’ Up! supplies and tools here:
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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.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Contact me today to place your order!
435-232-2655 Cell ( Call or Text)
andersoncandice@hotmail.com

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CandiceLeave a comment

Day 19 – Hope & Light Meets North Pole Workshop?

Today’s Christmas Challenge brought two themes that couldn’t be more different: Hope and Light and North Pole Workshop. Instead of trying to force both themes into one design, I decided to lean into the contrast and create two separate cards—each with its own mood and message, but both built using the same layout and the same product focus:
Watercolor Pencils (#161700 & #149014) paired with Water Painters (#168234).

This turned out to be such a fun creative experiment—one layout, two techniques, and two completely different looks!

The Shared Layout

To keep a unified feel between the two designs, I started with a simple, versatile layout:

  • Horizontal card base: 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″, scored at 4-1/4
  • Accent strip behind the focal point: 1-3/4″ x 5-1/2″
  • Focal image panel: Die-cut using the Textured Notes Dies (#165555) — a perfect little frame for any image
  • Layered background: 4-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ with the sentiment stamped along the bottom

It’s an easy formula that works for just about any stamp set or technique, which made it perfect for today’s theme split.

⭐ Card 1: North Pole Workshop

For my first card, I reached for a fun retired favorite—Christmas Crowd. It’s full of cheerful, whimsical North Pole characters, and it was the perfect set for a bright, playful look.

A festive holiday card featuring Santa and a group of cheerful North Pole characters, adorned with a vibrant color palette and playful design elements.
A graphic promoting Day 19 of a 30-day Christmas card making challenge, highlighting the theme 'North Pole Workshop' with decorative winter elements.

Technique: Coloring In the Image

For this card, I used the watercolor pencils in the most traditional way—coloring the entire image before blending it out slightly with my Water Painter. This gave everything a soft yet vibrant finish without overwhelming the line art.

Finishing Touches:

  • Cherry Cobbler Baker’s Twine (#164051)
  • Real Red & White Peppermint Embellishments (#164050)

These little elements really pull together that Santa’s-workshop, peppermint-candy vibe.

⭐ Card 2: Hope & Light (Silent Night Style)

For the second theme, I chose the retired Come to Bethlehem (#120591) set—a beautiful, solid-image stamp that has always felt powerful and peaceful to me.

A handmade Christmas card featuring a watercolor silhouette of three camels journeying across a hillside, with a bright star above and a village in the background, paired with a black accent strip and black twine.
Graphic promoting a card making challenge for Christmas featuring the title 'Hope & Light' and 'Day 19' with a snowy background.

Technique: Background Shading with Watercolor Pencils

Since the main image is a silhouette, I used the watercolor pencils differently for this card. Instead of coloring in the image, I lightly shaded a glowing backdrop behind the figures. With a soft wash from the Water Painter, it created a beautiful halo of color that makes the silhouette pop.

Finishing Touches:

  • Black Baker’s Twine (#155475)
  • Rhinestone Basic Jewels (#144220)

A little sparkle keeps the “light” theme present while keeping the card simple and serene.

⭐ The Result: One Layout, Two Techniques, Two Totally Different Looks

It always amazes me how using the same basic card design can produce completely different moods depending on the stamp set, colors, and technique.

  • North Pole Workshop → bright, fun, colorful
  • Hope & Light → soft, meaningful, peaceful

Both simple.
Both beautiful.
And both incredibly easy to create with supplies you already have.

👉 You can shop current Stampin’ Up! supplies and tools here:
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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.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Contact me today to place your order!
435-232-2655 Cell ( Call or Text)
andersoncandice@hotmail.com

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CandiceLeave a comment

👼✨ Day 17 – Caroling Crew & Joy to the World

Day 17 paired Caroling Crew with Joy to the World — and these two themes came together perfectly!

Originally, I planned to pull out an older stamp set for this challenge… but the creative spark took over again, and I ended up making some holiday punch/die art magic instead. And honestly? I think you’re going to love what came out of this one!

I started by looking through my current sets for unexpected shapes and pieces I could repurpose. My eyes kept returning to the Bee My Valentine Stamp Set and matching punch — specifically the bee wings. And then it hit me…

✨ Angel wings!

A handmade holiday card featuring a whimsical angel design with brown curly hair, angel wings, and a golden halo. The angel is holding a gold triangle shape and is surrounded by a blue background with a layered arch. The card includes the text 'MERRY' and 'CHRISTMAS' in blue on white banners above and to the side of the angel.
A whimsical holiday card featuring a punched angel with curly hair, shimmering wings, and a golden gift. The card includes 'Merry' and 'Christmas' sentiments on banners, with a blue background and decorative elements.

From there, the ideas flowed as I searched my stash for more pieces to build a sweet holiday angel. Here’s everything I used and how I transformed each element:

👼 Angel Punch-Art Breakdown

Bee My Valentine Stamp Set (#162546) + Punch (#162553)

  • Bee Body (Head): Stamped in Petal Pink on white cardstock – be sure to cut off the stinger.
  • Bee Wings (Angel Wings): Pool Party stamped on white — stamped off for the base, full strength for the outline + Wink of Stella for shimmer
  • Bee Wings (Hair): Punch only (no stamping) –
    • Early Espresso cardstock
    • You will need a total of 7
    • One will be punched with the Bee Body to create bangs with the heart arches on the inside.
  • Eyes: Created by masking the bee’s smile stamp to isolate the smile only for the “eye” shapes

Swirled Designs Dies (#167032)

  • Halo: Small oval cut in Gold Foil Sheets (#132622)

Ornamental Christmas Dies (#166000)

  • Dress: Christmas tree die (I used the shorter one with double flares) cut from Peaceful Garden Glimmer Paper (#165929)

Alphabet à La Mode Dies (#160750)

  • Mouth: Inside cut of the number “6” (cut from black cardstock)

Gift of Joy Stamp Set (#169238)

  • Garland: Stamped in Pool Party + Wink of Stella, trimmed to size
  • Hands: Petal Pink stamped on white — created using the inside of the ornament stamp, cut apart
  • Song Book: Stamped in Versamark and heat-embossed in gold on Gold Foil Sheets (#132622), trimmed and scored down the center to give it dimension

Sentiment

  • “Merry” and “Christmas” stamped in Azure Afternoon
  • Punched with the Three Banner Punch (#167050)
A layout of various punched and stamped elements for a holiday angel project, including parts labeled for the bee body, halo, mouth, garland, and more, showcased on a white sheet.

🌟 Background Details

  • Everyday Arches Dies (#164629):
    • Main arch in Balmy Blue, embossed (I used the retired Merry Melody #156392) and brushed lightly with white ink
    • Larger white arch behind for a layered frame
  • Card Base: Azure Afternoon
    • Background stamped with the leaf-fill image from Gift of Joy to add depth
  • Ribbon: Sheer Balmy Blue Ribbon (#165767)
  • Adhesives: Lots of dimensionals + mini glue dots to build the layered angel

The result?
✨ A super fun, whimsical work of art that brings both joy and creative surprise to the holiday season.

If you want to see exactly how I created this angel step-by-step, join me LIVE tonight — 11/17/25 at 7:30 PM MST on YouTube or Facebook!

👉 A full replay will be linked afterward if you can’t join live.

👉 You can shop current Stampin’ Up! supplies and tools here:
Shop with Me Here

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.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Contact me today to place your order!
435-232-2655 Cell ( Call or Text)
andersoncandice@hotmail.com

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#StampinWithCandice #StamperCandi #ACardADayInNovember2025 #30DayChristmasCardMakingChallenge #ChristmasCards #HandmadeCards #BeeMyValentine #PunchArt #AngelCard #CreativeTechniques #OrnamentalChristmas #GiftOfJoy #PeacefulGarden #EverydayArches #HolidayCrafting #JoyToTheWorld #CarolingCrew #StampinUp

CandiceLeave a comment

🖤✨ Day 12 – Black, White & Gold Glam Meets Reindeer Games

Day 12 brought a touch of elegant glam to my Christmas Card Challenge with the theme Black, White & Gold Glam + Reindeer Games!

The Modern Christmas Suite was the perfect go-to for today’s challenge. I wanted to keep things simple yet striking, so I designed a classic dual–Designer Series Paper layout with a bold focal image and a clean, elegant greeting layered right on top.

A Christmas card featuring a black, white, and gold design with a reindeer silhouette and the text 'PEACE & JOY'. The card has a modern layout with patterned paper and a ribbon accent.
A handmade Christmas card featuring a black and white geometric design, accentuated with gold trim. The focal point is a stamped black silhouette of a pine tree, accompanied by a gold and white 'PEACE & JOY' greeting.
The inside of a black Christmas card featuring the text 'Merry Christmas' in elegant script, accompanied by gold star embellishments.

A bit of ribbon and a mix of black and gold embossing added just the right touch of sparkle and sophistication. Since the card base itself is black, I made sure to stamp the inside on white cardstock, leaving plenty of space for a heartfelt holiday message. 💛

To tie in the Reindeer Games theme, I also created an additional card using the same layout — this time featuring one of my all-time favorite retired sets, Dasher, as the focal point. The elegant reindeer image paired beautifully with the black, white, and gold color scheme for a timeless Christmas look. 🦌✨

Two elegant Christmas cards featuring a black, white, and gold color scheme. One card showcases a pine tree with the greeting 'PEACE & JOY', while the other features a reindeer design with the same greeting. Both cards are arranged in a stylish layout with patterned paper and gold accents.
A promotional graphic for Day 12 of a 30-day Christmas card making challenge featuring the title 'Reindeer Games' with a winter-themed background and snowflake patterns.
Graphic announcing Day 12 of a card making challenge, featuring the theme 'Black, White & Gold Glam'. The design includes snowflakes and a wintery background, with the text prominently displayed.

This card came together quickly but makes a stunning impression — proof that minimal color and elegant accents can create a truly glamorous Christmas card!

Measurements Guide

Want to recreate this design?
I’ve included a quick measurement guide to make it easy!
Save or screenshot for easy crafting later! ✨

  • Card Base – Basic Black – 8-1/2 x 5-1/2 – Scored at 4-1/4
  • Top DSP (patterned) – 2×4
  • Bottom DSP (stripped) – 2-1/4×4
  • Ribbon Strip – Black – 1×4
  • Words – Gold 5/8×2-1/2 (trim to fit) and White 1/2×3 (Punched)
  • Inside – White 3×4-1/4
  • Image – Tree
    • White – 2×3-1/2
    • Gold – 2-1/4 x 3-3/4
    • Black – 2-1/2 x 4
  • Image – Deer
    • White – 2-1/4 x 2-3/4
    • Gold – 2-1/2 x 3
    • Black – 2-3/4 x 3-1/4

👉 You can shop current Stampin’ Up! supplies and tools here:
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✨ Products Used

  • Ornamental Christmas Stamp Set (#165991)
  • Modern Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper (#165990)
  • Three Banner Punch (#167050)
  • Gold Striped Ribbon (#165599)
  • Metallics WOW Embossing Powder (Gold) (#165678)
  • Basics WOW Embossing Powder (Black) (#165679)
  • Gold Foil Sheets (#132622)

🎥 Here’s a quick video showing how I created it!

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.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Contact me today to place your order!
435-232-2655 Cell ( Call or Text)
andersoncandice@hotmail.com

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🍬 Day 9 – Gingerbread Dreams & Tinsel Trouble

Day 9 of my Christmas Card Challenge brought me two fun and festive themes: Gingerbread Dreams and Tinsel Trouble! These prompts really pushed me to get creative and play with different styles, while keeping a consistent base design.

For this challenge, I decided to experiment with one main layout across all three cards, using a consistent color palette for two — and something completely different for the third.

🍭 Gingerbread Dreams

For the first two cards, I pulled out a couple of my retired favorites that I hadn’t had much time to play with yet — Sweet Gingerbread and Trees for Sale. They paired perfectly with the cozy, whimsical gingerbread theme!

I chose soft, playful colors:
🎨 Strawberry Slush, Pretty in Pink, Coastal Cabana, Crumb Cake, and Soft Sea Foam.

To add that magical sparkle, I brushed on some Wink of Stella and layered in touches of Peaceful Garden Glimmer Paper (#165929). Then finished it off with some Frosted Iridescent Dots Embellishments (#165766). The background is embossed with the So Swirly Folder (#163791) for that fun, frosted feel, and I used the Stylish Shapes Dies (#159183) to create the classic circle accent I love.

A handmade Christmas card featuring a circular design with a wooden sign that reads 'TREES FOR SALE.' The card is adorned with light strings, evergreen trees, and decorative elements against a vibrant background.
A festive card featuring a decorated camper with lights and a 'Trees For Sale' sign, surrounded by green trees and a pastel background.
An inside view of a Christmas card featuring 'Christmas Greetings' text, colorful string lights, and soft green pine tree designs.
A festive gingerbread-themed Christmas card featuring a gingerbread house surrounded by snow-covered trees, whimsical candy elements, and a sparkling silver border on a bright turquoise background.
A handmade Christmas card featuring a whimsical gingerbread house design, adorned with snow-covered trees, pastel colors, and decorative swirls.
The inside of a Christmas card features colorful lollipops and trees along the bottom, with the message 'Have a sweet CHRISTMAS' printed in vibrant red at the top.

✨ Tinsel Trouble

For the third card, I completely switched gears — going bold, bright, and glittery! I dove right into the “tinsel trouble” theme with a mosaic-style shimmer background, combining Peaceful Garden Glimmer Paper with Adhesive Sheets (#152334) and cutting it out using the Ornamental Christmas Dies (#166000).

The matching sentiment came from the Ornamental Christmas Stamp Set (#165991) and added just the right finishing touch.

This bold beauty features a cool, elegant color palette of💙 Secret Sea, Blueberry Bushel, and Smoky Slate, finished off with Misty Moonlight Ribbon (#165931) and Gray Baker’s Twine for a perfectly chaotic Christmas sparkle!

A handmade Christmas card featuring a blue and silver ornament with the text 'PEACE & JOY' on a textured blue background. The design includes ribbons and layers for a festive touch.
A handmade Christmas card featuring a decorative circular ornament shape with a mosaic pattern in shades of blue and silver glitter, accented with a 'Peace & Joy' sentiment tag and a twine bow.
Graphic promoting Day 9 of a Christmas Card Challenge featuring the theme 'Tinsel Trouble,' with instructions to add humor through tangled lights or glitter chaos.

I love how all three cards share the same foundation but feel completely different — from soft and sweet to bold and bright!

👉 You can shop current Stampin’ Up! supplies and tools here:
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  • 165929 Peaceful Garden Glimmer Paper
  • 159183 Stylish Shapes Dies
  • 163791 So Swirly Embossing Folder
  • 165766 Frosted Iridescent Dots
  • 141897 Wink of Stella
  • 152334 Adhesive Sheets
  • 166000 Ornamental Christmas Dies
  • 165991 Ornamental Christmas Stamp Set
  • 165931 Misty Moonlight Silver Embossed Ribbon
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.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Contact me today to place your order!
435-232-2655 Cell ( Call or Text)
andersoncandice@hotmail.com

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#StampinWithCandice #StamperCandi #CreativeSkills #StampinUp #ACardADayInNovember2025 #30DayChristmasCardMakingChallenge #ChristmasCards #HandmadeCards #GingerbreadDreams #TinselTrouble #SweetGingerbread #TreesForSale #OrnamentalChristmas #PeacefulGarden #WinkOfStella #HolidayCrafting #CreativeCardmaking

CandiceLeave a comment