Tag: Cards

Reverse Masking with Dies: Get More Creative Uses from Your Dies

Sometimes all you need for a little creative inspiration is a good technique!

Recently, I was looking through some of my older blog posts when I came across a reverse masking technique that my upline, Brandi Barnard, had shared. It had been a while since I had played with this technique, and seeing it again inspired me to pull out my dies and give it another try.

I shared just how easy this technique is during my Monday Live, along with several different samples showing just how versatile it can be.

What Is Reverse Masking with Dies?

The idea behind this technique is simple. Instead of using a die as it was originally intended—to cut out a shape—you use the negative opening created by the die as a mask.

Place the mask over your cardstock and then stamp through the opening using an image that may be completely unrelated to the die itself. Background stamps, textures and smaller repeating images are especially fun for this technique.

I also used blending brushes to add color inside the masked area. This helps define the shape and gives you even more options for changing the finished look.

What I love most is that it gives you another way to use dies you already own. The same die can create a completely different look depending on the stamps, colors and techniques you use inside it.

I shared four different samples during my Live, but the possibilities really are endless. Take another look through your dies—you may be surprised by how many shapes would work perfectly for reverse masking!

Main Products & Colors Used

🌲 Tree Card
Products: Holly Jolly Branches Bundle & Bordered in Beauty Stamp Set
Colors: Real Red, Garden Green & Soft Sea Foam

🎈 Balloon Card
Products: Balloon Fest Bundle & Bordered in Beauty Stamp Set
Colors: Timid Tiger, Azure Afternoon & Daffodil Delight

⛄ Snowman Card
Products: Stylish Shapes Dies & Holly Jolly Branches Stamp Set
Colors: Real Red, Pool Party, Timid Tiger & Early Espresso

& Ampersand Card
Products: Extraordinary Life Bundle & Banner Sayings Stamp Set
Colors: Pool Party, Berry Burst & Fresh Freesia

🎥 Be sure to watch the replay below to see the technique in action and get a closer look at all four samples.

As you can see, this technique works with so many different shapes and styles. Once you start looking at your dies as masks instead of just cutting tools, you open up a whole new set of creative possibilities!

Looking for even more inspiration? Check out the original post I mentioned during my Live for even more fabulous ideas using this reverse masking technique.

Reverse Masking Technique

Now I challenge you to pull out your dies and look at them a little differently. What die in your collection would make a great reverse mask?

And remember to join my Stampin’ Fun with Candice Facebook group and share your creations with us. I’d love to see what you come up with—and your project just might inspire someone else to give this technique a try! 🦋

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

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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CandiceLeave a 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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CandiceLeave a 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

Creating Depth with One Color: Card Making Tips

This week’s #TGIFC587 challenge was all about tone-on-tone, and I decided to really challenge myself by creating an entire card using just one color.

Rather than choosing a color you would typically expect with the Notes of Collage Bundle, I reached for Gray Granite. This is a sneak peek bundle (and I’m not even sure when it will be released!), but I couldn’t wait to create with it. I have to say… I absolutely love how this card turned out.

One of my goals was to show that a monochromatic card doesn’t have to feel flat. By layering several simple techniques, I was able to create lots of depth, texture, and contrast while staying true to a single color palette.

For the background, I die cut one of the abstract images and used the piece as a mask with a blending brush to softly add ink. Afterwards, I made sure my Gray Granite ink pad was freshly reinked so I could stamp the large leaf at full strength twice, then stamped the wispy leaf a several times using the stamp off technique for a softer, lighter impression.

To add even more texture, I distressed the edges of the cardstock with my scissors before gently crinkling the panel. A little more Gray Granite ink brushed over the edges and creases helped highlight all of that wonderful texture. The delicate die-cut leaves, cut from Gray Granite cardstock, really stand out against the inked background without introducing another color.

I kept the sentiment monochromatic as well by stamping “I’m Here for You” in Gray Granite on a die-cut label. Finally, I finished the card with Gray Granite Variegated Ribbon and a few Mosaic Dots for just the right amount of sparkle and elegance.

This card was a wonderful reminder that sometimes limiting yourself creatively can actually open the door to new ideas. It’s amazing how much interest you can create with a single color by simply varying the depth of ink, layering textures, and adding dimension.

Have you ever challenged yourself to create a true monochromatic card using just one color? I’d love to hear which color you would choose or better yet share your creation in the comments or on my social media.

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

📺 YouTube 📘 Facebook 📸 Instagram 📌 Pinterest

CandiceLeave a comment