Hello Sunshine & Travel Dreams βœˆοΈπŸŒž

Did you know that today is National Shop for Travel Day?
That feels perfectly timed because my future travel plans include a Caribbean cruiseβ€”and after almost two years of planning, I’m finally down to under 100 days! πŸŽ‰

With travel on the brain, it felt only right that during my live yesterday I featured the Beach Boardwalk Suite. This collection also has a coordinating scrapbooking kit, and I can hardly wait to use it to document our trip once we return. πŸŒŠπŸ“Έ

For this project, I used the Global Design Project #GDP530 layout challenge as my starting point. I pushed myself a little out of my comfort zone and treated the layout more as inspiration rather than a strict roadmapβ€”which is definitely not my norm!

Two colorful greeting cards featuring a beach scene with palm trees, a large sun, and the text 'HEY, SUNSHINE'. The background has soft pastel colors and textured layers.

Design Inspiration & Creative Changes

Logo of the Global Design Project featuring a globe icon with a heart, accompanied by the text 'GLOBAL DESIGN PROJECT' and the hashtag '#GDP530'. Below is a simple design with circular shapes in green and white, set against a light green background.

One of the main elements in the challenge layout is three circles on the side. Instead of circles, I swapped them out for three palm trees, keeping the visual balance while adding a fun tropical twist. 🌴🌴🌴

I also decided to turn this into a slimline card, which is one of my favorite formats. This size fits perfectly in a legal-size envelope, making it great for mailing or gifting.

Card Size & Base

While there are many slimline sizes, I typically make mine 8-1/2″ x 3-1/2″. I also love turning them into pocket cards for money or gift cards.

  • Card base: 8-1/2″ x 8-1/2″, scored at 3-1/2″ and 7″
  • Card base color: White

Background & Layers

I cut a second piece of white cardstock to 8-1/4″ x 3-1/4″ and used my blending brushes with Strawberry Slush, Petunia Pop, and Pool Party to create a soft ombre background.

For the square focal element, I cut a piece of Beach Boardwalk DSP #166820 using the largest square from the Stylish Shapes Dies #159183 and framed it with a 3″ x 3″ piece of cardstock:

  • Card 1 frame: Strawberry Slush
  • Card 2 frame: Petunia Pop

Want to see all the steps come together?
Be sure to check out the replay from my live, where I walk you through the entire process and share extra tips along the way. πŸŽ₯✨

Stamping & Die Cutting Details

Two hand-crafted greeting cards featuring a watercolor background with pink and blue tones, silhouettes of palm trees, and a yellow sun.
  • Palm trees stamped from Boardwalk Fun Stamp Set #166822 in Petunia Pop on the DSP
  • Additional palm trees die cut in black cardstock using Boardwalk Fun Dies #166828
  • I layered two of them over the stamped palm trees to create a shadow effect.

For the sun, I used one of the stitched circle dies (third smallest) cut from white cardstock and blended Daffodil Delight and Timid Tiger for added depth β˜€οΈ.

Sand, Waves & Finishing Touches

  • Sand: Torn Crumb Cake cardstock, stamped with dots from Swirled Designs #167030 in Pecan Pie, then softly blended for dimension
  • Waves: DSP cut with Light & Wonder Dies #165762, edges highlighted with Pool Party ink

I stamped β€œHey, Sunshine” in black ink in the bottom right corner and wrapped Strawberry Slush Ribbon around the ombre background before assembling everything.

The palm trees were popped up with Stampin’ Dimensionals, and I finished them off with a simple knot secured using Mini Glue Dots. A few Strawberry Slush & Pretty in Pink Gems #165615 added just the right amount of sparkle ✨.

Inside Pocket

A colorful greeting card design featuring palm trees and a sun, with the text 'HEY, SUNSHINE'. The card is partially open, revealing a two-dollar bill inside.

On the inside, I added a strip of DSP to the top of the 1-1/2″ folded section and used Tear & Tape on the sides to create a pocketβ€”perfect for cash or a gift card.

This bright, happy card has me so ready for warm weather and sunshine, especially while we’re still in the middle of winter β„οΈβž‘οΈβ˜€οΈ.

πŸ’¬ Tell me:
What trip are you dreaming of taking this year? And can you see yourself using the Beach Boardwalk Suite for your summer plans?

If so, be sure to add this amazing suite (and all the fun extras!) to your cart today. πŸ›’πŸŒ΄
If you enjoyed this project, remember to click follow so you’ll be notified when I share more creative inspiration and upcoming projects.

Thanks so much for stopping byβ€”I truly appreciate you! β˜€οΈβœ¨


πŸ‘‰ 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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Easy Fun Fold Gift Card Holder Tutorial

On my Monday Live, I shared an easy-to-make fun fold gift card holder inspired by my recent mini album. This sweet project features brand-new products that were released just yesterday, and I absolutely love how simple yet impressive this design is.

Card Base & Structure

Start with a piece of Real Red cardstock cut to 4-1/4″ x 11″.
Score at 5-1/2″ and 9″.

  • The 5-1/2″ section will be on the left side of the card.
  • Fold the 2″ section inward, then fold again on the 5-1/2″ score line.
  • This creates a pocket on the inside of the card.

Secure the sides of the pocket using Tear & Tape (#154031), leaving the top edge open so you can tuck in a gift card or cash.

Inside Panel

Cut Flirty Flamingo cardstock to 5-1/4″ x 4″ and emboss it using the
Hearts of Love 3D Embossing Folder (#167071).

Attach this to the inside of the card on the 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ section.

Designer Series Paper

From the Made with Love Designer Series Paper (#167054), cut:

  • 4″ x 3-1/4″
  • 4″ x 1-3/4″

Place these pieces on:

  • The 3-1/2″ section folded to the front
  • The 2″ section folded inside to form the pocket

Left Folding Panel

Cut Basic White cardstock to 3-1/2″ x 7″ and score in half at 3-1/2″.

Stamp β€œSweet Heart” from the Love Story Stamp Set (#167065) on the front and decorate as desired.

Attach this panel centered over the embossed section on the left side of the card base.

For one version, I placed the mini hearts directly on the white panel. For the second card, I added them to a 1/4″ strip of coordinating paper for a slightly different look.

Closure & Finishing Touches

For the closure, cut:

  • One solid heart
  • One lined heart

Using the Endless Love Dies (#167061).
Add arrows if you’d like for extra detail.

Attach the hearts to the front using Stampin’ Dimensionals, creating a small pocket for the folded panel to tuck underneath.

Finish the card with Bubble Bath Faux Linen Ribbon (#167075).


I love how simple and easy this fun fold gift card holder is to make, yet it has such a wow factor. Be sure to check out the video to see the step-by-step process, and I can’t wait to see your ideas using this design and these beautiful new products!


πŸ‘‰ 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


πŸ’• Let’s Stay Connected

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πŸŽ„Quick & Cute: A Pop-Up Gift Card Holder Anyone Will Love

Merry Christmas! πŸŽ„

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday filled with special moments spent with family and friends. πŸ’›

For my Monday Live, I shared an easy pop-up gift card holder that’s perfect for those last-minute giftsβ€”or for anyone who’s just hard to buy for. I also featured this month’s Product of the Month, the True Blue Florals Designer Series Paper (#167970). You can grab this gorgeous paper for just $5 with a $75 purchaseβ€”such a great deal!

I chose to give my project a Christmas feel by using a few holiday sentiments, but this card design and layout work beautifully for any occasion. Simply swap out the greeting and embellishments, and you’re good to go.

During the live, I promised I’d share all the measurements so you can recreate this project at homeβ€”so let’s dive in!


Card Front Measurements & Supplies

A collection of patterned papers in shades of blue and purple, with a completed card featuring layered leaves and a sentiment that reads 'Tis the Season'.
  • Card Base:
    • Balmy Blue Cardstock – 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ (scored at 4-1/4″)
  • Card Front Layers:
    • True Blue Florals DSP – 5-1/4″ x 4″
    • Balmy Blue Cardstock – 5-1/4″ x 4″
      • Embossed with Lovely Striped Embossing Folder (#167179 – available in January)
  • Die Cuts:
    • Leaves cut from Balmy Blue Cardstock and Vellum (#167099)
    • Dies: Nature’s Symphony Dies (#166925 – available in January)
  • Tag:
    • Basic White – 2-1/2″ x 1-1/4″, cut into a tag
    • Stamped with Ornamental Christmas (#165991) in Night of Navy
    • Mat: Balmy Blue – 2-1/4″ x 1-1/2″
  • Embellishments:
    • Flowers fussy-cut from DSP
    • Muted Palette Dots (#165155)
    • White Baker’s Twine (#155475)

Inside Pop-Up Gift Card Holder

  • Cardstock:
    • Two pieces of Night of Navy Cardstock – 5-1/4″ x 5-1/4″
  • Scoring:
    • Score each piece at 1-1/4″
    • This creates a 1-1/4″ section and a 4″ section
  • Assembly:
    • Attach the two 1-1/4″ sections together (top and bottom) using Tear & Tape (#154031)
    • Use a circle punch to punch a small notch in the outer corner of the 1-1/4″ section
      • This makes it easier to slide the gift card in and out
  • Finishing the Inside:
    • Left side: DSP – 3-3/4″ x 5″
    • Right side: Basic White – 3-3/4″ x 5″
      • Stamp with a coordinating greeting to finish the card
      • Attach the the inside of card.
        • Just a note they are cut so the are centered leaving an 1/8″ border. This helps pull the center apart just slightly and make it easier for the gift card to slide in and out.

Final Thoughts

This card really is super easy to make, and once you’ve made one, you’ll want to make several! It’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, thank-you cards, or any time a gift card is the perfect solution.

If you’d like extra help, be sure to check out my step-by-step video for the full walkthrough. And pleaseβ€”share your creations in the comments! I would absolutely love to see what you come up with.


πŸ‘‰ 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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Day 23 – Elfie Time!

Fun Fold Gift Card Holder + Sketch Challenge #5

Today’s theme was Elfie Time, and the moment I read it, I knew exactly which stamp set I had to pull outβ€”my beloved retired #Elfie (#150509). Pairing it with Sketch Challenge #5 inspired a playful twist: a Fun Fold Gift Card Holder!

This design is so easy to create and perfect for the holidaysβ€”because who doesn’t love receiving (or giving!) a cute handmade gift card holder?

I shared the full tutorial during a live in the Card A Day in November 2025 group as well as on my YouTube and Facebook pages. If you missed it, no worriesβ€”you can still catch the replay. And huge thanks to Kevin for inviting me on to share this project!


🎁 How to Make the Fun Fold Gift Card Holder

This fold comes together quickly and can be decorated for any theme or season. Here’s the basic template:

Card Base

  • Cut: 9-1/2″ x 5-1/2″
  • Score at: 3-1/2″ and 7-1/2″
    This creates:
  • A 3-1/4″ panel (the main front)
  • A 4-1/4″ panel (the inside)
  • A 2″ flap (perfect for the pocket)

Belly Band

  • Cut: 1-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ (or longer depending on embellishments)
  • Wrap loosely around the card so it slides easily.

Gift Card Cutout

You’ll need circle punches or dies:

  • 1-3/4″ for the pocket opening (#119850)
  • 2″ for the decorative circle layer (#133782)

Interior Layer

If you’re using a different color inside:

  • Cut 2-1/2″ x 5-1/4″
  • Make sure it extends past the punched opening for a clean look.

Tools That Help

  • Bone folder (#102300)
  • Tear & Tape (#154031)
  • Mini Glue Dots (#103683)
  • Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals (#144108)
  • Circle punches/dies

And then… decorate to your heart’s content!


🧝 Elfie Samples

Of course I made more than one! Here’s what I used:

Elfie Cards

Color combos:

  • Poppy Parade, Pool Party, Summer Splash
    Others:
    • White Baker’s Twine (#155475)
    • Real Red & White Peppermint Embellishments (#164050)
    • Strawberry Slush and Pretty in Pink Gems (#165615)
    • Forever Plaid Embossing Folder (#164049)
    • A Little Cheer (#166121)
    • Stylish Shapes Dies (#159183)
    • Wink of Stella (#141897)
    • Blending Brush (#160518)
    • Masking Paper (#155480)
    • Blends – Poppy Parade, Summer Splash, Pool Party, Pecan Pie, Petal Pink, Pretty in Pink

Both versions turned out adorable and festive!


❄️ Additional Sample – Christmas Cuties

I also made a version using the retired Christmas Cuties (#139787) paired with the Need for Tweed Designer Series Paper (#166144) for a quick, textured background.

Color combo:

  • Mossy Meadow, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler
    Others:
    • Real Red Baker’s Twine (#164051)
    • Shimmer Star Foam Stickers (#166202)
    • A Little Cheer (#166121)
    • Perennial Postage Dies (#162607)

A different look but just as charming!


πŸŽ„ Do You Love This Fun Fold as Much as I Do?

I adore how quick and adaptable this Fun Fold Gift Card Holder is, and I can’t wait to see what you create with it!

If you try this fold, please share your photosβ€”I love seeing everyone’s creative twist on the design.

πŸ‘‰ 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


πŸ’• Let’s Stay Connected

πŸ“Ί YouTube
πŸ“˜ Facebook
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#StampinWithCandice #StamperCandi #ACardADayInNovember2025 #30DayChristmasCardMakingChallenge #ChristmasCards #HandmadeCards #CreativeTechniques #HolidayCrafting #cardmaker #cardmaking #christmascards #handmadecards #papercraft #sketchchallenge #christmaschallenge

Day 21 – Santa β€œDon’t Stop Believin’”

Rockin’ Santa & Snow Globe Dreams (with a Grinch-Inspired Twist!)

Today’s challenge theme was Santa β€” Don’t Stop Believin’, and my mind went in a dozen different directions before I landed on the perfect idea. Those of you who know me well know that I am a huge Grinch fan. (Yes… he even has his own dedicated section of my Christmas dΓ©cor!)

There’s a classic image of the Grinch holding a Christmas ornament, and I thought, How perfect would that be for this theme? So I decided to recreate that scene using our amazing Stampin’ Up! products.

Once the idea hit, the wheels started turning fast.

To really bring the magic to life, and because I love pushing the boundaries of our products, I decided to take it up a notch and turn it into a snow globe shaker card using my Flip Flap Technique (which I’m still claiming as my own unless someone can show me otherwise πŸ˜‰). This time, I added an extra twist β€” slimline card, giving me plenty of room for the full Grinch-inspired scene.

And yes… the moment you step outside the β€œintended use” of our products, things get creative fast. This card is no exception! Let’s just say… this card was an adventure!


πŸŽ„ Creating the Ornament

The ornament was actually the easy part!

  • Stylish Shapes Dies (#159183) for the circle
  • Gold Foil Sheets (#132622) for the topper
  • Topper from Ornamental Christmas (#166000)
  • Cherry Cobbler Baker’s Twine (#164051) for the hanging string

Simple, classic, and instantly recognizable.


πŸ’š Crafting the Grinch’s Hand

This was where things got… creative.

No die gave me exactly what I wanted, so I sketched the Grinch’s hand by hand (pun intended πŸ˜‰) and cut it from Lemon Lime Twist cardstock.

To add the Grinch’s signature β€œfur,” I stamped one of the leaf images from the Cheers & Sips set (#165588) in Granny Apple Green. The texture was perfect!

Then I added:

  • Granny Apple Green Stampin’ Blends for outlining
  • Blending Brush for shading
  • A hand-cut β€œSanta sleeve” in Real Red, brushed with black ink
  • And the perfect finishing touch β€” Fluffy Trim Ribbon (#165849) for the cuff

This combination brought the Grinch’s hand to life exactly the way I pictured it.


❄️ The Background & Final Touches

For the snowy scene, I used the gorgeous Silent Snowfall Specialty DSP (#166062) and added sparkle with a touch of Wink of Stella on the snowflakes.

A few Real Red & White Peppermint embellishments (#164050) tied the festive vibe together.


🌟 Creating the Slimline Flip Flap Shaker

This shaker section was the fun part!

How I Built It:

  • Cut Granny Apple Green cardstock to 7″.
  • Score at 3-1/2″.
  • Trim 1/16″ off one side.
  • Fold in half.
  • Layer the snowflake DSP on top.
  • Die-cut through all three layers at the same time using the Stylish Shapes circle.
    • You may need to run it through more than once, but cutting all layers together guarantees perfect alignment.

With the leftover piece of cardstock, I scored it again at 3-1/2″, leaving a 1/2″ tab to connect both pieces.

For this card I used the 3×3 Flip Flaps (#166514). There are multiple different sizes and the one you use will depend on how big your cutout is.

Here’s a quick video of how to assemble it.

Shaker Fillers:

  • Loose Gold Sequins (#165267)
  • White hearts from the Loose Valentine’s Assortment (#167074)β€”a fun sneak peek from our January 2027 Mini preorder!

Everything was sealed together using Tear & Tape.

Important Tip:

Always plan what the interior will look like through the window.
Whatever you stamp inside becomes part of the scene!


πŸ’¬ Interior Details

Because you definitely can’t put a standard β€œMerry Christmas” in a Grinch-inspired snow globe card… πŸ˜„

I used the Mini Alphabet Dies (#162934) to create my own custom sentiment. Pairing these dies with Adhesive Sheets (#152334) is a must β€” instant letter stickers for easy placement!

To finish the little interior scene I used:

  • Pine Tree Trimmings Stamps (#166040)
  • Pine Tree Trimmings Dies (#166046)
  • A Little Cheer (#166121)
  • Jar of Joy (#166176)
  • And to complete it all, a sweet little heart from the Darling Dinos Dies (#164734)

Many elements shows through the shaker window, adding a beautiful layered effect.


❀️ The Finished Look

This card was definitely on the advanced end of the crafting spectrum, but the result is exactly the whimsical, storybook look I hoped for. A little Santa magic, a little Grinch mischief, and a whole lot of creativity.

It’s playful.
It’s nostalgic.
It’s unexpected.
And it absolutely makes me smile.

Sometimes the β€œbig idea” cards are the ones that make you stop, smile, and believeβ€”and this one did exactly that for me.


πŸ‘‰ Want to recreate it? 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


πŸ’• Let’s Stay Connected

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#StampinWithCandice #StamperCandi #ACardADayInNovember2025 #30DayChristmasCardMakingChallenge #ChristmasCards #HandmadeCards #CreativeTechniques #HolidayCrafting #cardmaker #cardmaking #christmascards #handmadecards #papercraft #sketchchallenge #christmaschallenge

πŸͺ΅βœ¨ Day 15 – Plaid Perfection & Color Challenge #3

Day 15 brought together two fun themes:
Plaid Perfection β€” mix and match tartans for a warm, rustic look
and
Color Challenge #3 – Concord & 9th Midnight, Peacock, and Aqua Sky.

I chose the closest Stampin’ Up! colors to match the challenge:
πŸ’™ Secret Sea, Pretty Peacock, and Pool Party

These colors paired beautifully with the Timeless Plaid Designer Series Paper (#164678) to highlight the plaid theme. I used the Ornamental Christmas Stamp Set (#165991) and Ornamental Christmas Dies (#166000) to create a unique fun fold card that feels both modern and cozy. A little sparkle from the Peaceful Garden Glimmer Paper (#165929) made the star really shine, and I finished the look with 2025–2027 In Color Flat Pearls (#165192) and White Ribbon (#165562).


πŸ”₯ Warm Rustic Version

After creating the cool-tone version, I couldn’t resist trying a warmer palette too!
For this one, I switched to:
🀎 Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, and Petal Pink

To add sparkle, I used the Earthen Tones Metallic Specialty Paper (#165901) and accented with Cajun Craze & Gold Dots (#165984). A bit of Espresso Baker’s Twine (#165986) tucked behind the star added a rustic finishing detail.


πŸ“ Fun Fold Measurements (In Inches)

This fun fold is much easier than it looks! Here’s the quick guide:

  • Base Piece: 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ (cut to size, not folded)
  • Background Folded Panel: 5-1/4″ x 6″ β€” score at 2″
  • Inside White Layer: 5″ x 3-3/4″
  • Accent Piece: Cut using the Everyday Arches Dies (#164629)
    • Make the arch piece extra long, then score and fold the bottom behind the white layer to attach
  • Second White Arch: Cut using the next smallest arch die
  • Designer Series Paper Strip: 5″ x 1-3/4″
  • Lightly brush the edges of the DSP with a blending brush and your background color to help it pop against lighter tones.

Note: All measurements are in inches.


Both versions of this card turned out warm, inviting, and full of holiday charm. Whether you like cool winter blues or rustic warm tones, this fun fold works beautifully for both!

πŸ‘‰ 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


πŸ’• Let’s Stay Connected

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πŸ“˜ Facebook
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#StampinWithCandice #StamperCandi #CreativeSkills #StampinUp #ACardADayInNovember2025 #30DayChristmasCardMakingChallenge #ChristmasCards #HandmadeCards #PlaidPerfection #TimelessPlaid #OrnamentalChristmas #EverydayArches #PeacefulGarden #EarthenTonesMetallic #FunFoldCard #HolidayCrafting #CardMakingCommunity