Moving Ink with Air: A Mixed Media Study + Grab the May Freebie of the Month

Welcome back to the blog! Today I’m sharing my second 5x7 mixed media piece. There's something incredibly freeing about letting the medium dictate the movement of the piece, and this project was all about experimenting with fluid ink and air.

Creative Tip of the Day: Building Dimension with Thin Metal Dies

Hello, crafters! Today we are looking at a project by Vicki that proves you don't need a lot of different mediums to create a card with impact. By using thin metal dies in creative ways, she built a design that is both clean and full of texture.

1. Texturing the Base

Instead of adding a separate panel, Vicki used the Wonky Stitched Grid Texture Plate directly on her card base. This is a fantastic way to add visual interest while keeping the card’s profile slim for mailing.

2. The Triple-Layer Stack

To make her focal elements stand out, Vicki cut her dies multiple times and stacked them:

• The Spring Flower layering die was cut 3 times in white to create a thick, sturdy frame.
• She then used a red die-cut to inlay the petals and the center, creating a beautiful contrast.
• The Thanks word die was also layered 3 times. This "stacking" technique gives die-cuts the look of expensive chipboard and keeps them perfectly flat on the card.

3. Strategic Embellishing

By finishing the card with a few sequins from her stash, Vicki added just the right amount of sparkle to complement the red accents and the textured blue base.

Featured Sales

If you want to recreate this look, now is the perfect time to stock up on these essentials:

Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off: All Cover Plates

Buy 3 Get 1 Free: All Word/Phrase Dies

Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off: All Miscellaneous Dies

Question of the Day: Do you prefer stacking your die-cuts for dimension, or do you stick to foam tape? Let us know in the comments!

Creative Tip of the Day: The Power of Your Background Stash

Today’s project by Shirley shows a practical way to use those backgrounds we all have tucked away. It's a great reminder that you don't always need to start with a blank slate.

The Technique

Shirley used a background she already had -- Distress Oxides sponged over the Droplets stencil. By looking at her "stash" with fresh eyes, she was able to build a cohesive scene without extra ink blending.

Creative Tip of the Day: Selective Stenciling & Double Die Layers

Today’s project by Monika is a masterclass in "less is more." By using strategic placement and clever layering, she created a card that feels both airy and impactful.

The Technique

This look is achieved by selective stenciling and die-cut layering. By only stenciling a portion of the background with the Wheels slimline stencil, you create a modern, asymmetrical balance. When you top that with a white-on-white layered butterfly using the Flutter Zen #1 layering dies, the result is pure elegance.

Creative Tip of the Day: Instant Focus with Oxide Circles

Want to make your stamped characters pop without spending hours on intricate coloring? This technique is a total game-changer for your card-making! Shirley shows us how.

The Technique

Instead of coloring in your images, create a colorful backdrop first. By painting simple circles with Distress Oxides and stamping your images directly over them, you create an instant focal point and a playful, modern look in minutes. It’s the perfect way to add life to whimsical characters like monsters or doodles.

Creative Tip of the Day: Building Bold Sentiments with Stacked Die-Cuts

In today's Creative Tip of the Day, we’re looking at a vibrant, high-energy card by Maria Fischer that perfectly demonstrates how to balance bold stamping with architectural die-cuts. Whether you're creating for a birthday or a masculine-themed occasion, this "stacked" technique is a wonderful way to add instant impact to your designs. 🌸✨

🌟 How to Elevate Your Sentiments 🎨✨

Creative Tip of the Day: Spot Coloring with Selective Die Cutting

Welcome back to our series where we revisit classic projects from our talented design team! Whether you're a long-time fan or a new follower, these bite-sized tips are designed to spark your creativity and help you get the most out of your STAMPlorations supplies.

Today, we're looking at a stunning clean and simple card by Monika Skinner. She demonstrates how a small focused area of color can make a massive impact against a black-and-white background.

The Technique: Spot Coloring on Die Cuts 

Creative Tip of the Day: Selective Coloring with Cover Plates

Today, we’re featuring a vibrant, graphic card by Deepti Malik. If you've ever looked at an intricate cover plate die and wondered how to make it the star of your card rather than just a background, this selective coloring technique is for you! 🌸✨

🌟 Selective Coloring with Cover Plates 🎨✨

Are your cover plate dies just collecting dust because you think they can only be used for one-dimensional backgrounds? Deepti is here to change your mind! Her Zen Doodled Birthday Cake card uses the intricate lines of the cover plate as a built-in coloring book. By selectively coloring through the die-cut, she created a bold, graphic focal point that is perfect for any celebration.

Creative Tip of the Day: Two Ways to Layer Clear Stickers

Today's creative tip features a card by Helen Gullett. She demonstrates how versatile clear stickers can be. Whether you want a seamless, flat border or a popped-up focal point, clear stickers are the ultimate multi-tasking tool for your stash. 🌸✨

🌟 Two Ways to Layer Clear Stickers 🎨✨

Clear stickers are a staple for a reason -- they offer a crisp, professional look with zero bulk. In her latest card, Helen shows us how to use them for both background texture and as a dimensional focal point on the very same project.

Creative Tip of the Day: Selective Inking with Geometric Stencils

We're back with another Creative Tip of the Day, where we take a closer look at the clever techniques the STAMPgirls use to bring their projects to life. Today, we’re revisiting a beautiful card by Monika that perfectly balances bold geometric patterns with delicate florals. Whether you're looking to refresh your layout skills or find new ways to use your favorite stencils, this "spotlight" technique is a wonderful one to have in your creative toolkit. 🌸✨

Coffee & Creativity: A Caffeinated Showcase with Monika Skinner

If you're a fan of cozy cafes and the rich aroma of freshly roasted beans, you’re going to love our featured projects today. STAMPgirl Monika Skinner has been busy in her craft room, and she'll share with us how versatile The Coffee House collage papers can be. From home decor pieces to elegant cards, these papers offer the perfect blend of watercolor illustrations and high-texture patterns to ground any design. ☕✨

Coffee Bean Heart Coaster

Beyond the Brush: Building Depth with Inks and Acrylics 🎨✨

Ever wonder how to build a vibrant, multi-layered background without losing that "artistic" edge? It’s all about the order of your mediums! Today Shery shares the process of building this high-contrast look using calligraphy inks and acrylics. 🌟

👉 [Watch the Process Video on Instagram Here]

🌟 Transparent to Opaque Layering