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!

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!

Will You Be My Gnomie? A Layered Valentine Card with Tape Runner

Valentine’s Day is such a sweet time to share a little love, and what could be more whimsical than a tiny gnome holding a strand of hearts? I had a blast creating this playful card, combining cheerful florals, cute envelopes, and a fun layered focal point. It’s a card that’s dimensional, colorful, and just the right mix of charm and whimsy — plus, it’s a great excuse to use your Tape Runner adhesive to make every layer smooth and precise!

Step 1: Prepare the Base and Mats

Start with a vertical A2 card base in white cardstock. Use Tape Runner to attach a piece of teal cardstock as a mat for your patterned layers — this gives the card a clean, framed look.

Step 2: Add the Background Patterned Paper

Cut a floral panel from Echo Park’s Love Notes collection to 4 × 5.25 inches and adhere it to the teal mat with Tape Runner, leaving a small border around the edges. Then cut a strip of envelope-patterned paper from the same collection, about 1.25–1.5 inches tall, and attach it near the bottom so it peeks out just beneath your focal area.

    

Step 3: Layer the Circle Mat

Die-cut a white stitched circle and layer it onto a slightly larger teal zig-zag circle. Use Tape Runner to adhere the two layers together. This creates a playful, layered base for your focal image.

   

Step 4: Color and Attach the Gnome

Stamp the Gnome Kisses image from Jaded Blossoms and color him with soft pinks, teals, and a touch of red for the hearts he’s holding. Pop the gnome up on foam tape in the center of the layered circles, adding dimension and focus.

Step 5: Add the Sentiment

Die-cut a fishtail banner, stamp the sentiment “Will You Be My Gnome?” in teal ink, and attach it with Tape Runner just above or lightly overlapping the circle so it integrates neatly with the focal point.

Step 6: Add Embellishments

Finish with three small red enamel dots arranged in a loose triangle around the circle. They echo the gnome’s hearts and add a playful pop of color.

Step 7: Final Assembly

Use Tape Runner to secure the layered circles and banner to the card base. Every element — from the mats to the patterned papers and embellishments — is adhered cleanly and securely, making assembly quick and mess-free.

By following these steps, you can recreate a cheerful, layered Valentine that’s whimsical, dimensional, and sure to bring a smile to anyone who receives it.

If you want to shop Tape Runner adhesive products, you can use my discount code CARRIANNE10 at checkout for a special saving! It’s a great way to stock up on adhesives that make layering and creating cards this detailed a breeze.

CHALLENGES:
SSS Monday Challenge - Have a Heart

SSS Wednesday Challenge - AG

Word Art Wednesday - #736-737

Die Cut Diva's - Red & Pink

As You Like it - Circle dies are my favorite shape die for adding focal images