Don't Peek! Well, Maybe a Little.

Deck the halls… and my craft desk, because Christmas isn’t over yet! This card uses the Present Time stamp and dies from My Favorite Things with the Bright Christmas 2 Paper Pack from Kat Scrappiness. I love using Tape Runner adhesive—it keeps all my layers perfectly in place without any fuss.

I started by stamping the images from the Present Time set and coloring them with Copic markers, keeping the colors bright and festive. Once everything was colored, I used the matching dies to cut out all of the images for easy layering later.

For the background, I selected a colorful snowflake patterned paper from the Bright Christmas 2 Paper Pack. The playful colors worked perfectly with the stamped images, so I adhered the patterned paper to a white card base using a Tape Runner adhesive. This gave me a smooth, secure hold while keeping the design clean and fresh.

Next, I cut the larger Stitched Scallop Circle Die from Pinkfresh Studio out of pink cardstock. I then cut a stitched circle and blended some blue ink along the top to create a soft, subtle sky effect. I adhered the stitched circle to the scallop circle using my handy Tape Runner adhesive for a bit of dimension.

           

I stamped the sentiment in black ink directly onto the top right of the circle, keeping it simple and crisp. Then I arranged and adhered the colored images using a Tape Runner adhesive, which made the process quick and easy while still holding everything securely in place. Once the focal panel was complete, I used a Tape Runner adhesive to attach it to the center of the card front.

I stamped the sentiment in black ink directly onto the top right of the circle, keeping it simple and crisp. Then I arranged and adhered the colored images using a Tape Runner adhesive, which made the process quick and easy while still holding everything securely in place. Once the focal panel was complete, I used a Tape Runner adhesive to attach it to the center of the card front.

This card has such a clean design with fun pops of color, and I truly love how it turned out. It’s always so satisfying when all the elements come together perfectly for a festive holiday card!

Shop Tape Runner adhesive and enjoy savings when you use my discount code CARRIANNE10 at checkout.

Love these products as much as I do? Use my affiliate link to shop at Kat Scrappiness—it won’t cost you extra, and it helps me keep sharing fun projects!

Hellebore Haven Bundle | Altenew Ambassador

Today’s card share is a special one for me as I continue my journey as an Altenew Ambassador. I’m incredibly grateful for this amazing opportunity and for the chance to create with and share so many beautifully designed products. Altenew has been such an inspiring part of my creative journey, and I’m so thankful to continue working with these beautiful products and being part of such a creative community.

For this project, I created a clean and simple card featuring the Build-A-Garden: Hellebore Haven from Altenew, which includes the coordinating stamp, die, and layering stencils plus a mini blending brush. This set makes it easy to create an elegant floral focal point with beautiful depth and dimension.

I began by stamping the floral image and using the layering stencils to add color. For the hellebores, I blended Summer Afternoon Fresh Dye Ink, starting with Buttercream for the lightest layer, then building depth with Warm Sunshine and Caramel Toffee. For the foliage, I kept things cohesive by blending Forest Glades from the Green Fields Fresh Dye Ink.

Once the coloring was complete, I used the matching die to cut out the floral image. I adhered the bouquet to the top left corner of a white panel measuring 5 x 3.75 inches, then flipped the panel over to trim away the overhanging portions for a clean finish. The panel was then mounted onto a white A2 card base.

For the sentiment, I heat embossed it in white embossing powder on black cardstock, adding crisp contrast while keeping the design clean and modern. I finished the card with a few Stellar Sequins - Antique Gold near the sentiment for a subtle touch of shine that complements the yellow florals without overwhelming the clean design.

This card is a great reminder that sometimes less really is more — a single well-colored bouquet, a crisp panel, and a few subtle accents can create an elegant, timeless look. I still have a few more projects to share this month, so stay tuned for more inspiration!

You Stole My Heart

Hi friends!

I’m so excited to share a Valentine’s Day card I created for my husband featuring the adorable Mouse Bandit from Stamping Bella. This mischievous little mouse is running away with a big heart in his hands, and coloring him with Copic markers was such a fun part of the process! For this project, I used Tape Runner adhesive for every layer, making assembly quick, neat, and stress-free.

Below is a step-by-step look at how the card came together, with photos showing each panel and where the adhesive was applied.

Step 1: Gather All Your Pieces

For this card, I cut all my mats and patterned paper first:

• Card base: gray, 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches

• White mat: 4 1/8 x 5 3/8 inches

• Gray mat: 3 x 5 3/8 inches

• Pattern paper strip: pink hearts from Recollections Sweetheart Day

  
  
  
  (Photo 1: all pieces ready to assemble)

Step 2: Adhere White Mat

I applied Tape Runner adhesive to the back of the white mat, making sure to cover all edges for a secure hold, and attached it to the card base.

(Photo 2: white mat with adhesive applied)

Step 3: Adhere Gray Mat

Next, I applied Tape Runner adhesive to the back of the gray mat (3 x 5 3/8 inches) and positioned it on top of the white mat. This layer adds depth and frames the patterned paper nicely.

(Photo 3: gray mat with adhesive applied)

Step 4: Add Pattern Paper Strip

I cut the pink heart pattern paper to fit the gray mat and applied Tape Runner adhesive to the back. This added a fun, festive pop without creating bulk.

(Photo 4: patterned paper with adhesive applied)

(Photo 5: card assembled so far)

Step 5: Prepare Focal Panel

I cut the Pink and Main Zig Zag Circle Die from gray cardstock. Then I cut a white stitched circle to layer on top.

    

(Photo 6: adhesive on gray zig zag circle)

    

(Photo 7: adhesive on white circle applied to gray zig zag circle)

Step 6: Attach Focal Image

I colored the Mouse Bandit with Copic markers and applied Tape Runner adhesive to the back of the image. I carefully positioned him on the white stitched circle.

(Photo 8: focal image with adhesive)

Step 7: Stamp and Attach Sentiment

The sentiment was stamped in Versafine Black ink and cut using a fishtail banner die. I adhered it using Tape Runner adhesive for a clean, secure finish.

(Photo 9: sentiment applied on focal panel)

Step 8: Final Assembly

Finally, I applied Tape Runner adhesive to the back of the focal panel and centered it on the card front. The layers stayed perfectly in place, making the card assembly smooth and effortless.

(Photo 10: completed focal panel on card front)

Finished Card

The card is finished! I took two final photos to show it off:

• Straight-on view

• Angled shot to show dimension

  

I love how all the layers came together, and Tape Runner adhesive made the process fast, clean, and precise. It’s my favorite way to assemble cards without the mess or drying time of liquid glue.

If you’d like to see the card come together in real time, check out my Instagram reel for a closer look at the assembly and layering process!

Save on Tape Runner Products

You can shop any Tape Runner product and save using my discount code: CARRIANNE10 at checkout.

💛 I hope this step-by-step post inspires you to try layering your own Valentine’s Day cards using Tape Runner adhesive. It truly makes the process fun, quick, and neat!

May Your Christmas Dreams Come True

Happy Saturday friends!

Winter is the perfect time to cozy up with some creative crafting, and I recently made a card inspired by the song Snow as part of the Christmas Caroling Instagram Hop! I wanted to capture the peaceful magic of a snowy evening, so I created an adorable dad-and-son snowman pair gazing at a star. 

Using the Unity Stamp Co Star Bright Stamp Set, a softly blended Distress Oxide ink background with the My Favorite Things Watercolor Wash Freeform Stencil, and Prismacolor pencils, I brought this whimsical winter scene to life on watercolor paper, which I chose for its textured surface that adds depth and interest to both the ink blending and colored pencils.

I started by creating the sky background using the Watercolor Wash Freeform Stencil. Using Tumbled Glass for the main sky, I blended in Iced Spruce at the top and a touch of Faded Jeans for subtle depth. Using the stencil, I layered blues and greens to give the background the look of a calm, snowy evening sky. The freeform stencil allows for a soft, painterly effect that feels magical and organic, perfect for the evening scene behind my snowmen.

Next, I stamped the snowmen from the Star Bright in Versamark Black ink along the bottom-left of the panel, allowing them to slightly peek outside the painted area. This playful placement makes the snowmen feel like they are part of a larger winter landscape. The snow dots included in the stamp naturally create a light snowfall around them, enhancing the cozy, magical feel.

I colored the snowmen using Prismacolor pencils directly on the textured watercolor paper. The dad wears a forest green hat and scarf, while the son wears a muted sky blue hat and scarf. Both snowmen have subtle gray shading to define their forms, orange carrot noses, and soft blush on their cheeks. The texture of the watercolor paper allows the pencils to layer beautifully and adds a soft, painterly finish that complements the blended oxide background.

The star above the snowmen adds a magical focal point, which I highlighted lightly with a white gel pen. For the sentiment, I stamped “May Your Christmas Dreams Come True” in the bottom-right corner, letting it slightly peek into the blended sky. This placement creates a gentle diagonal flow from star → snowmen → sentiment, guiding the eye naturally across the card. Tiny snow dots around the sentiment and a light gray pencil shadow under the snowmen help anchor the scene and add finishing touches.

Thanks for stopping by! I really appreciate your visit and hope you’re inspired to create something magical this winter.

The Paper Funday January 2026 Challenge - DT Card

It’s time for a brand-new month of inspiration at The Paper Funday Challenges, and we’re excited to kick off a fresh new year—welcome to 2026!

We’re starting the year with wonderful sponsors, Tailored Expressions and Sweet November Stamps, two companies that always inspire creativity with their beautiful designs.

The theme this month is Anything Goes, so let your creativity shine! For a little extra fun, you can also choose to follow along with this month’s optional sketch to guide your design.

We’d love for you to join us, share your creations, and start 2026 off creatively with The Paper Funday Challenges. We can’t wait to see what you make!

For my card this month, I couldn’t resist using the sweetest digital image from Sweet November Stamps called Love Birds. Aren’t they just the cutest couple?! They immediately made me think of a cozy, soft card perfect for sharing a little love.

I started by printing the image on Neenah Solar White 110 lb cardstock and colored it in with Copic markers. I love how Copic markers let me blend and shade to really bring these adorable birds to life. Once the coloring was done, I die cut the image using a stitched circle die, which gave it a nice finished edge.

I layered it onto blue plaid patterned paper from My Favorite Things on a white square card base and framed it with the Stitched Scallop Circle Die Set. For the finishing touch, I heat embossed the sentiment in white on black cardstock.

I’m so happy with how this card turned out! It’s simple, sweet, and cheerful, and I think it’s a perfect fit for this month’s Anything Goes theme at The Paper Funday Challenges.

If you’re looking for a little inspiration this month, I hope this card encourages you to try something fun—whether you follow the optional sketch or just create whatever makes you happy. I can’t wait to see all the amazing entries!

Simple, Clean, and Fun: My First Tape Runner Design Team Card

I’m excited to be sharing my first card as a Design Team member for Tape Runner! For this project, I wanted to work with several layers of pattern paper to really show how simple, clean, and effortless card assembly can be when using Tape Runner adhesive.

I used My Favorite Things Little Buddies, featuring an adorable image of a little boy cuddling his sweet kitty. I colored the image with Copic markers, keeping the palette soft and playful, and then pulled out coordinating pattern papers to bring the whole design together.

All of the elements used to create today's card.

Creating the Background & Pattern Paper Layers

Using a stitched square die, I cut an orange patterned paper from Lawn Fawn for the card’s background. A coordinating blue piece was trimmed to 2.25" x 4.5" and attached with Tape Runner adhesive, making the layering process smooth and precise.

Using Tape Runner adhesive, I attached the blue panel horizontally, slightly above center. The adhesive applied smoothly and held instantly, making it easy to line everything up perfectly without slipping or curling.

Applying Tape Runner adhesive to patterned paper for quick, clean layering.

Assembling the Focal Point

Next, I die cut a stitched circle from white cardstock and added a grass border along the bottom using the La-La Land Crafts Scene Border Die. Both pieces were adhered with Tape Runner adhesive, making it easy to layer everything precisely and securely.

I then attached this piece to a Zig Zag Circle Dies from Pink and Main using more Tape Runner adhesive. Layering the focal elements was simple and clean, with no glue mess or drying time needed.

Using Tape Runner adhesive to assemble layered die-cut elements.

Adding the Sentiment & Finishing Touches

The sentiment was stamped in black ink on white cardstock, cut with a fishtail die, and adhered to the bottom of the panel with Tape Runner adhesive. I finished the card with a few clear iridescent sequins for subtle sparkle. Tape Runner adhesive made even small embellishments easy to attach and kept everything neat and secure.

Finished card.

Finished card from a different angle.

Using Tape Runner adhesive throughout this project made assembly quick, easy, and stress-free. From layering pattern papers to building the focal elements and adding the sentiment, everything stayed flat, secure, and perfectly aligned. Tape Runner is a staple in my craft room, and I’m so excited to continue creating and sharing projects as part of the Tape Runner Design Team.

Special Offer: 

Use code CARRIANNE10 to save 10% on ANY Tape Runner adhesive products! It’s a great way to stock up and make future card-making projects just as simple and enjoyable.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Until next time, keep creating and stay crafty!

CHALLENGES:
Critter Crazy - #106

Crafts Galore - #143

Creative Inspiration - #34

Die Cut Diva's - January *New Zig Zag dies

Stamping Sensations - January *Boy

Celebrating National Hugging Day

Today I’m sharing a card created in celebration of National Hugging Day, which is observed each year on January 21. This day is all about spreading love, comfort, and connection, and I can’t think of a better theme to inspire a handmade card—especially one featuring a sweet hug.

For my card, I used My Favorite Things Little Buddies, an adorable image of a little boy hugging his puppy. I colored the image with Copic markers and then fussy cut it out so it could stand out as the focal point of the card.

For the background, I used the Tailored Expressions Fanfare Cutting Plate on white cardstock, which adds subtle texture without overpowering the scene. Along the bottom, I added a strip of grass using the La-La Land Crafts Scene Builder Die to help ground the images.

To build the scene, I die cut a dog house from Paper Smooches using patterned paper from the La-La Land Crafts Wood Textures 1 Paper Pack. I placed another sweet puppy in front of it with a tiny bone for extra detail.

This card was such a fun way to celebrate National Hugging Day, and I love how all the cozy, happy elements came together to create a heartwarming scene.

CHALLENGES:

Word Art Wednesday - #730-733

Die Cut Diva's - January

Colorful Options Challenge – January 2026

Our Colorful Options Challenge is here, and we’re so excited to kick off the new year with wintry blues—ice, snow, and sky! Play along with cool winter hues or jump in with the always-open rainbow option and use any colors that make you happy. We can’t wait to see what you create!

For my card, I had fun creating a cozy winter scene using the adorable snowman couple from Pink and Main’s Snow Sweet stamp set. These two are just so cute and perfect for a winter card. I colored them with Copic markers in blue tones to fit this month’s Colorful Options Challenge, then used the matching die to cut them out.

I kept the background fairly clean while still adding interest. I die cut the Pinkfresh Studio Starry Scalloped die from blue cardstock and adhered it to a white panel, which was then mounted onto a white card base. To ground the scene, I die cut a snow drift and placed it near the bottom of the panel, letting a bit of the scalloped edge peek out underneath for extra texture.

The snowman couple is popped up with foam tape to give them some dimension and help them stand out from the background. I stamped the sentiment in black ink on white cardstock, trimmed it down, and tucked it right along the edge of the snow drift. To finish the card, I added a few snowflakes from the same set for a simple, wintry touch.

I love how this card came together—sweet, clean, and full of wintry blues. Be sure to check out the team’s inspiration on the blog here for more ideas using this month’s Colorful Options Challenge.

Copic colors used:

Snowgirl: B60-B63-B66

Snowboy: B93-B95-B97-B99

Black: C1-C3-C4-C6

A Cozy Penguin in My Cocoa

Hi friends!

I’m so excited to be a guest designer for the Caffeinated Christmas Card Challenge #49 this month! 

I used The Paper Shelter’s There's a Penguin in My Cocoa digital stamp, and let me tell you, this little guy is just too cute for words. I knew right away I wanted to make a bold, cheerful Christmas card that really lets him shine.

Focal Fun

I printed and colored my penguin directly on a panel using Copic markers — love how digital stamps make it easy to size and tweak to your card design. The penguin came complete with his cozy cocoa mug and gifts on either side, so he practically screams Christmas cheer!

To frame him, I added a red mat. I knew I wanted the card to pop, and red + green + hints of blue seemed perfect for that festive punch.

A Playful Floor

Next up: the “floor.” I cut a small strip of red-blue diagonal striped paper — kind of like a fun little rug for our penguin. Placing it under the focal panel gave the scene a nice grounded look and a subtle nod to the bold holiday palette.

The Snowflake Background

I used a snowflake pattern paper behind the panel to add texture and interest. Because the penguin panel is bold and full of color, I kept the background slightly muted so it wouldn’t compete.

The Sentiment Dilemma

Now, here’s where things got fun (and a little tricky). I wanted the sentiment to feel playful and whimsical, so I decided to go with a fishtail banner. I tried a few options — red fishtail with white embossing, white fishtail with red stamping, and even playing with double layers. Honestly, they all looked great!

In the end, I went with a white fishtail stamped in red, angled slightly in the top left corner for a whimsical touch. Foam tape helped it pop above the penguin without smushing the stamped panel — because yes, this little penguin deserves all the room to shine!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope this sweet penguin made you smile!

CHALLENGES:

SSS Wednesday Challenge - Add a Sentiment

Word Art Wednesday - #730-733

ABC Christmas Challenge - Y is for Yummy *hot cocoa

Christmas [or not] Bingo - B (Christmas-Free-Digital)

Critter Crazy - #106

Cozy Winter Critter Card – Guest Designer for Critter Crazy Challenge

Hi friends! 

I am so excited to be a Guest Designer for the Critter Crazy Challenge! This challenge is always Anything Goes, with the fun requirement of including a critter, which makes it one of my favorites to participate in. For my card, I chose an adorable polar bear from the My Favorite Things Polar Bear Pals stamp set to create a cozy winter scene.

I started by layering patterned papers from Honey Bee Stamps Vintage Holiday. The main background is a soft pink snowflake panel measuring 4 x 5.25 inches, and I added a vertical navy blue snowflake strip, sized 2 x 5.25 inches, on top. The blue strip runs from top to bottom, creating contrast and interest without overpowering the design. I adhered the panels together and ran the combined piece through my die cutting machine using the My Favorite Things Wonky Stitched Rectangle Die, which adds a subtle stitched detail to the edges.

To frame my polar bear scene, I die cut a scalloped circle from white cardstock using the Pinkfresh Studio Essentials: Stitched Scallop Circle Dies, then layered a smaller stitched circle on top. Before assembling, I added soft shading to the upper portion of the stitched circle using Distress Oxide Stormy Sky, creating a gentle winter sky behind my critter. To ground the bear, I adhered a snow drift along the bottom of the circle, using foam tape on the left side to lift it slightly and add dimension.

The polar bear and his bucket of fish were stamped and colored using Copic markers, keeping the bear soft and neutral while adding a pop of pink in the fish to coordinate with the pink background panel. I popped the bear up with foam tape and adhered the bucket behind him with liquid glue, letting it tuck naturally at his side.

To add a little winter sparkle, I scattered glittery snowflakes cut from the Waffle Flower Crafts Small Snowflakes Die, layering a few for dimension and slightly rotating them to create a natural, falling-snow effect.

The sentiment comes from the Polar Bear Pals stamp set and was stamped in VersaFine Black ink. I die cut it using one of the pretty Scalloped Sentiment Label Dies from La-La Land Crafts and placed it near the bottom of the panel to balance the design and keep the eye drawn to the center scene.

I love how the combination of soft pinks, deep navy blues, and crisp white cardstock creates a cozy, wintry feel. The layered stitched elements, gentle ink shading, and a little sparkle all come together to highlight the sweet polar bear and his bucket of fish, making this card playful, heartwarming, and perfect for any winter occasion.

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope you’ll join us over at the Critter Crazy Challenge and share your own Anything Goes project featuring a critter. I can’t wait to see what everyone creates! 

CHALLENGES:

SSS Monday Challenge - Sparkle & Shine

SSS Wednesday Challenge - Add a Sentiment

Word Art Wednesday - #730-733

Christmas [or not] BINGO Challenge - #17 *N (Winter-Blue-Free)

Die Cut Diva's - January