Hello, crafty friends!

Today, I’m back to share another encouraging and uplifting card that is bound to bring a smile to anyone’s face. If you’ve been following my recent crafting sessions, you know how much I love a good mash-up—mixing and matching supplies from several of my favorite companies to create a completely unique project!

This particular “Sending You Sunshine” card is a beautiful, elegant shaped card packed with texture, layers, and a little bit of sparkle. Here’s a look behind the scenes at how this card came together, along with a fun little challenge for you!

🛠️ Step 1: Crafting the Shaped Base & Textured Panels

Instead of a traditional rectangle card, I decided to go with a fun oval shape. I used a set of oval dies I found on Amazon to cut out the main card base and the inner panels (if you are looking for something identical, Spellbinders has an amazing Essential Ovals die set that works perfectly!).

For the inside panel, I stamped leaves using Chipped Sapphire Distress Ink with the Gardener’s Corner mini delight stamp set from Altenew. This tone-on-tone silhouette stamping makes this panel feel like there is something happening in the background, in addition to all the die cut florals in the front. #addedinterest 😉

I also added a gold glitter oval frame to frame the deep blue center panel – playing with multiple oval shapes – different colors & size yet harmonious because of the same shape.

To assemble the card base, I used a technique where you join two separate oval panels together at the top, allowing the card to open beautifully. If you want a quick visual tip on exactly how to do this, check out my tutorial video Two ways to make shaped cards.

For the white card front, I added a massive dose of texture by running it through my die-cutting machine using the August 2023 (2D) Embossing Folder of the Month kit from Spellbinders.

🌸 Step 2: Breathing New Life into Leftover Florals

One of my absolute favorite things to do is look through my stash of leftovers from older projects. Both of the main flowers on this card were actually beautiful extras waiting for their perfect home!

• The Large Cosmos: Die-cut using Altenew Garden Cosmos dies and softly ink-blended.
• The Small Geranium: Die-cut using Papertrey Ink Geranium dies and ink-blended to coordinate beautifully.

Placing them together gave the focal point a wonderful dimension.

🌿 Step 3: Completing the Foliage and Final Touches

To anchor the flowers, I added a lush mix of greenery. I die-cut the cosmos leaves using the same Garden Cosmos die from Altenew, and then tucked in some gorgeous, wispy grassy leaves using a die from Arden Creative Studio’s Tall Grasses set.

Next, I popped on a sweet little pink butterfly—and yes, I am still completely obsessed with this Scrapbook.com die! For the sentiment, I added a clean strip that reads “sending you sunshine.” This sentiment is also from the Gardener’s Corner mini delight stamp set from Altenew. Notice how I played with the geometry here; I made the sentiment strip an oval as well, but adhered it perpendicular to the rest of the oval layers to create a fun, unexpected contrast.

To finish it all off, a few carefully placed sequins around the border added the perfect touch of sparkle, and this card was done!

🎮 Let’s Play a Game!

Since this project features elements from Altenew, Scrapbook.com, Papertrey Ink, Spellbinders, and Arden Creative Studio, I want to play a little guessing game with you all!

Leave a comment below and tell me if you can guess which specific product or element came from which company. Let’s see who can guess them all correctly!

Thank you so much for stopping by today. I hope this inspires you to look at your leftovers and mix your favorite supplies on your next project.

Enjoy creating!

Hugs!
~Varada