“A Small Act of Kindness…” – A Big Win with Ellen Hutson’s Latest Release!

Welcome class!

I’m so excited to share this card today because it combines two of my favorite things: soothing swooshy shapes and heartwarming sentiments. I used goodies from the latest Ellen Hutson release—namely the Swoosh die set and the One Small Act die—and I think it turned out SO sweet.

Let’s get into the how-to, shall we?  So here's that lesson plan...

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Step 1: Create that Dreamy Background

Let’s talk about that swoopy background. This comes together so easily with the Swoosh die set. It’s perfect for building fun, wavy patterns that almost look like rolling hills or waves.

1. Pick a handful of coordinating cardstock colors. I went with a refreshing combo of soft mint, lime green, aqua, teal, and icy blue using  Concord and 9th's Sea Glass, Eucalyptus, Sprout, Aqua Sky, and Oceanside.

2. Die cut each color using the Swoosh dies—mix and match the curves!

3. Starting at the top of an A2 card front, begin layering the swooshes down, gluing each layer in place. It’s okay if it gets a bit wonky—they’re swooshes after all!

4. Once your background is set, trim the edges so they’re flush with the card base.

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Step 2: That Beautiful Bold Sentiment

Can we talk about how cute this sentiment is? The One Small Act die creates such an uplifting message in this adorable, hand-lettered style.

1. Die cut the One Small Act sentiment from a dark teal cardstock for contrast.

2. For the base shape, I used a soft, shimmery pearlescent vellum from Lawn Fawn and cut it into a teardrop shape to match the water/kindness theme. If you don’t have a teardrop die, you can freehand it or go with a large circle or heart—anything that speaks to you!

3. Carefully glue the sentiment onto the teardrop shape using the negative piece for alignment. A fine-tip glue pen is your BFF here—those skinny lines need a little precision love.

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Step 3: Sparkle, Baby!

To add some extra magic, I sprinkled on a few flat-backed gems. Just a touch of sparkle takes this card from sweet to swoon-worthy.

Pro tip: Use an embellishment wand or jewel picker to make gem placement easier (and keep the glue on your card—not your fingers!).

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Step 4: Assemble and Admire

1. Pop the sentiment panel onto the card front using foam adhesive for some subtle dimension.

2. Give it a good look and add a few more gems if needed.

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This card is perfect for any occasion when you want to show a little love, a thank you, a just-because, or even a note to lift someone’s spirits.

So tell me—what colors would you use for your swoosh background? Drop your ideas in the comments below or tag me on Insta with your creations!

Products Used (all can be found via Amazon):

• Ellen Hutson Swoosh coverplate
• Ellen Hutson One Small Thing Wafer die
• Ellen Hutson Essential Drops Nesting die set

Class dismissed!

Grateful for You

Welcome class! 

Today, I’m excited to share a step-by-step tutorial on creating this gorgeous "Grateful for You" card using Simon Says Stamp’s White Fusion Stencil and CZ Designs Thank You Basics stamps. This card is perfect for showing appreciation and adding a handmade touch to your sentiments.

So here’s the lesson plan:

🌿 Step 1: Create the Background

1. Cut a piece of cream cardstock slightly smaller than your card base.

2. Secure the White Fusion Stencil over the cardstock using low-tack tape.

3. Using blending brushes, apply shades of green ink (lightest to darkest) through the stencil. Start with Cabbage, add Artichoke for depth, and finish with Kale for bold accents.

4. Lightly spritz water over the inked background and dab away excess for a watercolor effect (optional).

✨ Step 2: Stamp & Embellish

1. Stamp "Grateful for You" from the CZ Designs Thank You Basics set in black ink on the lower half of the stenciled panel.

2. Add gold sequins or embellishments around the focal point for a touch of sparkle.

🎀 Step 3: Finishing Touches

1. Wrap twine around the card front, tying a bow to one side for a rustic touch.

2. Mount the stenciled panel onto a dark green card base using adhesive. 

   
   

Products used: 

• Simon Says Stamp White Fusion stencil
• Simon Says Stamp CZ Design Thank You Basics Stamps
• Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Inks

Class dismissed! 

 

Hang in There – A Cheerful Encouragement Card!

Welcome class!

Today, I’ve got a fabulous card tutorial for you featuring bold colors, modern florals, and a powerful message of encouragement. I used the Simon Says Stamp Mod Plants and XL Stacked Greetings stamp sets to create this uplifting design, and I can't wait to show you how it all came together! I made this card to give to workers at Arches and Canyonlands National Parks which we are visiting this week.  Things are a bit overwhelming at the Moab parks due to budget and staffing cuts.  My husband and I treasure our national parks and the time we get to spend hiking in them, and wanted the workers to know that we hope they can find strength during these trying times.

 

 So here's the lesson plan:

Step 1: Create the Background Panel

First, I grabbed a cream-colored cardstock panel and stamped that gorgeous Mod Plants pattern using assorted earth toned Pawsitively Saturated Inks.

I love how this background has a warm, modern botanical feel—the perfect blend of bold and subtle tones! The Paprika and Honey inks add such a nice contrast, while the Clay ink softens the whole look.

💡 Pro Tip: Stamping in a random arrangement gives a more organic feel. I rotated the stamp as I went to keep the pattern interesting!

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Step 2: Cut & Layer the Panels

Once the background was fully stamped, I die-cut it with a stitched rectangle die to give it that subtle dotted border (such a lovely touch!). If you don’t have a die like this, no worries—a regular paper trimmer works just fine.

Next, I adhered the background panel to a kraft card base for a nice earthy contrast. I also considered layering it over a burnt orange panel for extra depth, but I ended up keeping it simple with just the kraft.

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Step 3: Stamp & Prep the Sentiment

Now, let’s talk about that bold sentiment!

I stamped the "Hang in there. Things are tough, but so are you." sentiment from the XL Stacked Greetings set onto a piece of kraft cardstock using Nutmeg ink (a deep brown).

I just love how clean and crisp this sentiment looks—big, bold, and straight to the point!

To give it some dimension, I trimmed the sentiment down into a rectangle and popped it up on the card with foam tape.

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Step 4: Add Twine for a Finishing Touch

To soften the look and add a touch of texture, I wrapped some natural jute twine around the sentiment panel and tied a simple bow. This little detail really helps bring everything together and adds a touch of handmade charm!

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Step 5: Assemble & Admire!

Time for the final steps:

1. Adhere the sentiment panel (with foam tape) onto the center of the card.

2. Step back and admire your gorgeous, modern encouragement card!

💡 Bonus Tip: If you want to add even more texture, consider using embossing powder for the sentiment or distressing the edges of the cardstock for a rustic feel.

I absolutely love how this card turned out—modern, warm, and filled with positivity! The Mod Plants background is so versatile, and paired with the XL Stacked Greetings, it makes for a bold yet heartfelt design.

Products used:

• Simon Says Stamp Mod Plants stamps
• Simon Says Stamp XL Stacked Greetings stamps
• Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Inks
• Waffle Flower A2 Piercing Layers dies

Class dismissed!