Oh Shoot, You're Cute!

Our Colorful Options Challenge is back, and this month we’re celebrating all shades of green! From soft mint to deep forest, there’s so much room to explore and let your creativity grow with nature-inspired hues. Of course, the rainbow option is always open too if you want to mix in any colors that make you happy. 

This will also be my last month contributing to the team — it’s a little bittersweet to step away, as it’s been such a joy to create alongside this talented and inspiring group. I’ll be cheering the team and participants on as they share their amazing green-inspired projects this month.

For my card, I started by inking up the Botanical Split Background stamp from Simon Says Stamp with Hero Arts Lime Green ink and stamping it onto a white card panel. The bold botanical design fills the background beautifully, giving the card instant energy and movement without needing extra layers.

Next, I stamped the Bear Hugs image from Colorado Craft Company and colored the panda using Altenew Woodless Watercolor Pencils. To add dimension, I penciled blue indigo lightly around the edges of the panda and then used a water brush to pull the color inward, creating soft, blended shading. I added touches of black pencil for deeper shadows, repeating the process until the panda had a nice, dimensional depth. After coloring, I fussy cut the panda and popped it up with foam tape in the center of the botanical panel, which helps it stand out against the bold green background.

To frame the design, I added a thin black mat behind the panel, which ties in beautifully with the panda’s shading and the black sentiment strip. The panel was then adhered to a white A2 card base, giving the card a polished, clean finish. For the sentiment, I heat embossed it in white on black cardstock and placed it just beneath the panda. The black strip grounds the design and makes the sentiment pop, balancing the bright green and keeping the focus on the panda.

This card combines bold botanicals with soft watercolor shading for a cheerful, dimensional look. The bright lime green background makes the panda stand out. It’s perfect for sending a little “bear hug” to someone special!

Layer It, Stick It, Love It with Tape Runner Adhesive

Hi crafty friends!

Do you ever finish a layered card and just smile because everything lined up perfectly? That’s exactly how I felt creating this one! There’s something so satisfying about building crisp, clean layers that stay put, and for this project I reached for Tape Runner adhesive to make it happen. It makes assembling detailed designs quick, secure, and completely mess-free — which means I get to focus on the fun part: bringing the card to life.

Step 1: Prepare My Card Base

I start by trimming my card base and patterned paper panels to size. Having all my pieces cut and ready makes the layering process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Adhere the Patterned Panels

Next, I apply Tape Runner adhesive to the back of my main patterned panel, running adhesive along the edges and across the center to ensure full coverage. I press it firmly onto the card base, then repeat the process for any additional panels or strips, making sure everything is aligned.

Step 3: Add the Stitched Circle

Next, I adhered the white stitched circle, positioning it so it overlapped the layered panels. I love how it creates a clean backdrop for the focal image and helps break up the patterned papers. Using Tape Runner Adhesive keeps it flat and secure.

Step 4: Add the Focal image

Before assembling the card, I colored Teen Swissie from C.C. Designs with Copic Markers and fussy cut the image. Once my base layers were in place, I adhered her to the card using Tape Runner Adhesive, making sure she was securely positioned.

Step 5: Finish with the Sentiment and Embellishments

Finally, I stamped and trimmed my sentiment and adhered it in the bottom corner to complete the design. To add a little extra fun and sparkle, I placed a few yellow sequins around the focal area. A final press ensures everything is firmly in place.

Using Tape Runner adhesive makes the entire assembly process simple and reliable. I can focus on the creative part of cardmaking without worrying about shifting layers or messy glue.

Don’t forget to use code CARRIANNE10 to save 10% on your order! And be sure to check out my Reel on Instagram to see this card come together in action.

CHALLENGES:

SSS Wednesday Challenge - AG
Pammie's Inky Pinkies - #2608

Word Art Wednesday - #740-741

Allsorts - #844 AG

We Love Stamping - March AG

Gingerbread Kisses & Festive Wishes

There’s just something about gingerbread at Christmas that makes me smile! Today I’m sharing a sweet and festive holiday card featuring the adorable Gingerbread Kisses stamp set from Pink and Main. Inspired by Build Your Stash Holiday Card Sketch #66, this card combines cozy patterned papers, layered dimension, and lots of strong Tape Runner adhesive to hold it all together. Let’s dive into this merry little make! 

Step 1: Prepare the Background

Start by trimming your patterned paper from the Gingerbread & Peppermint collection to 4 1/8" x 5 3/8".

Apply Tape Runner adhesive to the back of the patterned paper panel.

Adhere the panel to a red A2 card base (4 1/4" x 5 1/2"). The Tape Runner gives a strong, even hold — perfect for full panel coverage.

Step 2: Stamp & Color

Stamp the adorable gingerbread image from the Gingerbread Kisses stamp set onto white cardstock using alcohol-marker friendly ink.

Color the image with Copic Markers in warm browns, festive reds, and cheerful greens. Add shading for depth and highlights for extra sweetness.

Die cut or fussy cut the image and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Scalloped Frame

Using the scalloped circle die from Pinkfresh Studio, cut the shape from red cardstock. This particular die cuts the circle into separate pieces — giving you the option to use the entire circle or just the decorative frame.

For this card, I chose to use only the scalloped frame to keep the center open for my gingerbread image.

Adhere the frame slightly off the left edge of the card front and trim away any overhanging portion for a clean finish.

I love how this sweet gingerbread card came together with festive layers, cozy patterned paper, and sturdy dimension — all without foam tape! Using Tape Runner adhesive made it easy to adhere full panels and build up layers with simple cardstock scraps.

Step 4: Add Dimension Without Foam Tape

Who says you need foam tape to create dimension?

Instead, grab cardstock scraps and layer them behind your focal image.

Apply Tape Runner adhesive to the scraps and stack them until you reach your desired height.

Adhere the stacked scraps behind your colored gingerbread image.

Pop the image right into the center of the scalloped frame.

This technique adds sturdy dimension while keeping everything cohesive with the same adhesive!

Step 5: Heat Emboss the Sentiment

Stamp your sentiment onto red cardstock using embossing ink. Cover with white embossing powder and heat set until smooth and glossy.

Trim into a strip.

Add scrap cardstock pieces behind the sentiment strip to create raised dimension.

              

Adhere the sentiment to the bottom right corner of the card front using Tape Runner adhesive.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

To complete the card, add a few red sequins around the design for sparkle and festive shine.

If you’d like to try it for yourself, be sure to shop Tape Runner and use code CARRIANNE10 at checkout to save on your purchase.

Thank you so much for visiting today! I hope this project inspires you to create something merry and bright. 

Happy crafting! 

Products Used:

Pink and Main – Gingerbread Kisses Stamp Set
Stampin' Up! – Gingerbread & Peppermint Designer Series Paper
Pinkfresh Studio – Scalloped Circle Die
Red cardstock (Cutcardstock Red Hot)
Tape Runner adhesive

CHALLENGES:

As You Like it - Cute is my favorite. I love all making whimsy and fun cards

Creating Joy with Build-A-Garden: Dreamy Dahlias | Altenew Ambassador Project

There’s something so satisfying about layering florals, and Build-A-Garden: Dreamy Dahlias made the process an absolute dream. 🌸 These layered blooms came together like magic and totally brightened my whole craft space.

As an Altenew Ambassador, I get to play with some of the most gorgeous products — and let me tell you, Build-A-Garden: Dreamy Dahlias & Add-On Die Bundle made me so happy to create with! Seriously, layering these blooms felt like a little burst of sunshine on my craft desk.

I had a blast arranging the flowers — one peeking in from the left, another from the bottom right with that cute little bud peeking out — and I even tucked in a few of the leaves trimmed from the blooms at the top right to keep everything balanced. For colors, I went all out with Fresh Dye Inks: Cherry Blossoms for pink perfection, Green Valley (Firefly & Grass Field) for the leaves, and Summer Afternoon (Buttercream & Warm Sunshine) for those sunny centers. Then I added a soft blue ink halo around the edges to give the panel an airy, dreamy vibe. Foam tape gave the blooms some lift, while the leaves stayed flat to keep it feeling elegant and natural.

Of course, I couldn’t resist a little sparkle — tiny gold sequins sprinkled just right add a playful glimmer without stealing the show. And the sentiment? It floats above the flowers and leaves like it was meant to be there all along.

I’m just in love with how this card turned out — it’s cheerful, dimensional, and totally full of happy garden vibes. Altenew products make it so easy to bring these layered florals to life, and honestly, it’s hard to stop at just one!

CHALLENGES:

As You Like it - I love creating cute cards but I love elegant just as much

Stamping Sensations - Any Altenew products are in my favorite stash

Die Cut Diva's - Pink

Allsorts - #843 Sentiment heat embossed in gold/AG

Word Art Wednesday - #740-741

Valentine Treat Box Made Easy with Tape Runner Adhesive

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to show someone you care than with a handmade treat box! I created this fun and interactive Valentine’s gift for my husband using Pretty Pink Posh Birthday Treat Box Die which I recently purchased, a heart window with acetate, and of course, Tape Runner Adhesive for a clean, professional finish. 

Step 1: Cut and Prep the Box Panel

I die-cut the treat box from pink cardstock using the Pretty Pink Posh Birthday Treat Box Die. At the same time, I cut a small heart in the center to create a peek-a-boo window. This gives the box a playful, interactive element for candy or small treats.

Step 2: Ink and Texture the Panel

To add some extra interest, I lightly blended Distress Oxide Candied Apple through Jaded Blossoms Random Hearts Stencil over the front panel. This adds soft texture and depth without overpowering the design.

Step 3: Add the Acetate Window

Next, I attached a piece of acetate behind the heart using Tape Runner Adhesive. This secures the candy inside while allowing it to be visible through the heart window. Using tape runner here makes the adhesion clean, precise, and flat, with no gaps or mess.

   

Step 4: Fold and Assemble the Box

With the acetate in place and panel inked, I folded along the score lines of the die and assembled the box using Tape Runner Adhesive. The tape runner ensures a strong, clean hold — perfect for a candy-filled treat box.  

        

Step 5: Add a Fun Gnome

I decided to add a little extra fun to this Valentine’s treat box by including the Cute Little Gnomie from Jaded Blossoms. I stamped the image, colored it with Copic markers, and fussy cut it out. Then I adhered him to the front of the box, on the right side of the heart window, using Tape Runner Adhesive. This playful touch brings the box to life and adds a whimsical focal point without covering the peek-a-boo heart window.

   

Step 6: Finish and Admire!

With the gnome added to the front right of the heart window, I placed the sentiment, “Love & Kisses,” on the bottom left of the heart. The peek-a-boo heart window and the playful gnome create a balanced, fun design that’s ready for candy or little treats.

This is such a sweet and simple project, and Tape Runner Adhesive made it quick and clean to assemble every layer — from the acetate window to the folded box and all the embellishments.

Next Step: Fill the box with candy, tuck in a small note if desired, and gift it to someone special!

Shop Tape Runner and use code CARRIANNE10 to SAVE 10% at checkout.

Supplies Used:

Pretty Pink Posh - Birthday Treat Box Dies

Pink cardstock (for the box)

Stampin' Up! - Heart Collection 

Acetate sheet

Distress Oxide Ink – Candied Apple

Jaded Blossom - Random Hearts Stencil, Cute Little Gnomie Stamp Set

Black cardstock & white embossing powder for sentiment

Tape Runner Adhesive

Candy or small treats

CHALLENGES:

SSS Wednesday Challenge - Not a Card

Jaded Blossom Challenge - Stencil

Word Art Wednesday - #738-739

Die Cut Diva's - February *New Treat Box Die, Stamp and Stencil

Stamping Sensations - AG

Passion for Markers - #823

We Love Stamping - February *Hearts

As You Like It Challenge - My favorite is cute as I enjoy working with adorable images for a whimsy vibe

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Caped, Colored, and Ready to Save the Day with Tape Runner

Who’s ready to make a superhero card that’s fun to create and full of little details? I’m excited to share how I put together this card using my favorite super-hero stamp and fun paper with my new favorite die, and of course Tape Runner Adhesive for quick assembly without the fuss. Grab your supplies, and let’s get crafting!

Be sure to check out the giveaway information at the end of this post — you won’t want to miss it!

Step 1: Color My Superhero Image

I start with the part I love most: coloring my superhero from My Favorite Things! I use my Copic markers to add shading and highlights so she has dimension. Once she’s ready, I set her aside and move on to the background panel.

Step 2: Die-Cut the Frame Panel

I cut the main panel using Newton's Nook Card Layout 5 Die on white cardstock. The die creates stitched triangle windows that will later show the patterned triangles.

Step 3: Attach the Frame to the Mat and Card Base

I chose a thin yellow mat and adhered the die-cut frame directly to it using Tape Runner Adhesive. Then I attached the mat and frame to the white card base. Doing this first makes it much easier to position the triangles accurately behind each window.

Step 4: Cut the Patterned Triangles

I ran each patterned paper separately through the same die to cut triangles that fit perfectly behind the frame. I arranged them in an alternating pattern.

Step 5: Assemble the Panel with Triangles

Once I’m happy with the layout, I use Tape Runner adhesive again to attach each triangle behind its corresponding window. It’s so easy to get a clean, precise hold — the tape runner is perfect for this step. 

    

Step 6: Add the Superhero Image

I mounted my colored superhero on foam tape and placed her center over the panel as the focal point.

Step 7: Stamp, Emboss, and Attach the Sentiment

I heat embossed the sentiment on black cardstock with white embossing powder. I cut it with a stitched fishtail banner die and adhered it centered below the superhero using foam tape.

Everything is in place! Using Tape Runner Adhesive made it quick and easy to assemble the card with clean, precise layers.

🎉 I’m excited to let you know I have a giveaway for a $15 Tape Runner gift certificate—stop by my Instagram for the details. 

Plus, you can save on your own supplies at Tape Runner using code CARRIANNE10.

Products used:

Newton's Nook Card Layout 5 Die & Love & Meows Paper Pad

Kat Scrappiness Starlight Britt Re-Mixed Paper Pad

Tape Runner Adhesive

CHALLENGES:

Word Art Wednesday - #738-739

Crafts Galore - #144 AG

Allsorts - #842 CYO Background

Die Cut Diva's - Pink

Pammie's Inky Pinkies - #2605

We Love Stamping - February AG

Stamping Sensations - Feb *My favorite stamp - I love all super-hero stamps

As You Like it - My favorite die to create easy backgrounds

A Timeless Card with a Touch of Gold

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a new release landing on your desk — the possibilities, the colors, the textures… it’s pure creative excitement! When I saw the Altenew February release, I couldn’t wait to dive in and play, and this card was one of the first projects I just had to make.

I had such a blast creating this clean, modern card using the Altenew Timeless Sands Die Set paired with the Traces of Yesterday 3D Embossing Folder — both from the Altenew February release, now available!

There’s something so satisfying about pairing subtle texture with a bold focal point. I started with a slim embossed panel to add a bit of dimension, then layered the hourglass for a modern look. The gray frame gives a soft, contemporary base, vellum adds a light, airy touch, and the sand cut from Gilded Glitter cardstock with Brushed Gold gives just the right hint of sparkle.

I popped the hourglass slightly over the embossed panel to make it the focal point and placed the sentiment just below and slightly off-center for a fresh, balanced feel. I love how simple layers and thoughtful placement can turn a few supplies into a card that feels elegant and timeless.

The Altenew February release is full of products that make it easy to mix textures, layers, and sparkle for any project. I’m loving how these dies and embossing folders work together — and I can’t wait to play with the rest of the release!

Check out the Altenew February release HERE!

Thanks for visiting — it means so much to share my creations with you! 💌

Products Used:

• Altenew Timeless Sands Die Set

• Altenew Traces of Yesterday 3D Embossing Folder

• Altenew Gilded Glitter Cardstock with Brushed Gold

• Gray cardstock (for hourglass frame and sentiment)

• Vellum (for hourglass “glass”)

• White cardstock (for card base and embossed panel)

• Foam tape (for dimension)

• Adhesive

February Colorful Options Challenge

This month for our Colorful Options Challenge, we’re celebrating all things pink and purple! Whether you love soft pastels, bold magentas, or deep royal shades, it’s your time to play with your favorite hues. Not a fan of pinks or purples? No problem — we’re giving you the option to go wild with a rainbow palette instead!

For my project, I started with a panel of white cardstock and dry embossed it using the Bold Bouquet 3D Embossing Folder. Then, I colored the embossed floral cluster with the coordinating Layering Stencil Set and used the matching die to cut it out. A soft pink blend gives the flowers a bright, summery energy that makes them pop.

For the background, I embossed another panel with the Organic Linen Embossing Folder to add subtle texture. I adhered the florals with foam tape onto the textured background, giving the card beautiful dimension and depth. The stencils made it easy to add rich color and really bring the design to life.

To add a little extra elegance and texture, I also featured Wax Seal Stamping Starter Bundle Wax Seal Set and Enchanted Gold Wax Beads. It was the perfect finishing touch to tie everything together and add a bit of vintage charm to the modern, vibrant design. If you haven’t tried wax seals on cards yet, they’re such a fun way to elevate your projects!