Think Outside the Die

Who says die cuts have to be used the way they were intended?

For this card project, I'm giving die cuts a creative twist and using them in a completely non-traditional way to add a unique design element to my card. The overall design is inspired by Craft Roulette Episode #330 and

uses products from Pajama Crafter Stamps.

Products from Pajama Crafter Stamps - https://pajamacrafterstamps.com/JUDYV Pennant Dies - https://collabs.shop/pmdgvp Baked with Love Die Set - https://collabs.shop/q63zzh Dang, Whoa Yikes! Word and Shadow Dies - https://collabs.shop/qvtuiv Saving Lives One At A Time Stamps - https://collabs.shop/exth7m Mix & Match Celebration Sentients - https://collabs.shop/8ah9kn Hats Off Stamps - https://collabs.shop/rh1do3 Spooky Sorbet Halloween Paper Pack - https://collabs.shop/xaa7wu Disco Tech Cardstock - https://collabs.shop/f9ivqo Nearly Art Glue - https://collabs.shop/tdeen1

The parameters used are:

Project:  I created a card in the shape of a tag.  

The pocket is on the center of the card and

is a great place to add a gift card or note.

Colors:  orange, black, pink and a little green

Element:  I made my robot with 2 die sets that are really used in a cteative way

Random:  I added 3 strips of paper to the pocket.

Please watch my tutorial on my YouTube channel for all the details!

If you love stretching your supplies, finding new ways to use your dies, and getting more from your crafting stash, this project is packed with inspiration!

✨ Creative die-cut techniques ✨ Handmade card inspiration ✨ Easy way to get more from your supplies ✨ Perfect for cardmakers of all skill levels

Vintage Glam Home Decor

 Step back in time and add a touch of vintage elegance to your home with this décor piece featuring the Clear Scraps Medium Heart Pallet Shape. By combining patterned paper, acrylic paint, dimensional embellishments and a glamorous Roaring ’20s focal image, this project transforms a simple wood surface into a beautiful display piece that’s perfect for year-round decorating or gifting.

The Medium Heart Pallet Shape from Clear Scraps provides the perfect foundation for creating customized home décor.

I wanted this project to have a vintage, Art Deco-inspired feel, so I chose patterned papers that included a beautiful Roaring ’20s style image. 

The image was fussy cut as my focal point and built the design around it with elegant embellishments.

To begin, I painted the center section of the pallet with acrylic paint to create a clean backdrop that would keep the focal image front and center.

Then I covered the top and bottom pallet sections with patterned cardstock, allowing the vintage-inspired prints to frame the design while adding visual interest.

Before adhering the Roaring ’20s image to the center panel, I added dimensional details to enhance the overall design. Soft paper flowers create texture and a romantic feel. Delicate feathers perfectly capture the glamorous fashion of the era. A pearl brad was added. I added pearls and ages to the jewelry on the image. ribbon finished off the floral bouquet.

To finish the piece, the focal image is adhered with foam tape. I added the word “Mademoiselle” and incorporated a pearl flourish which ties everything together with a touch of sophistication and sparkle.

Projects like this are a wonderful reminder of how easy it is to personalize unfinished wood surfaces with cardstock and layered embellishments. The combination of paper crafting techniques and home décor creates a unique keepsake that’s perfect for displaying on a shelf, mantel, gallery wall, or craft room.

Clear Scraps Supplies:

• Medium Heart Pallet Shape

Additional Supplies:

• Patterned cardstock
• Acrylic paint
• Decoupage medium
• Roaring ’20s style image
• Paper flowers
• Feathers
• Pearl flourish
• Adhesive
• Foam adhesive (optional for added dimension)
• 
  

Whether you love vintage décor or simply enjoy creating one-of-a-kind home accents, the Clear Scraps Medium Heart Pallet Shape offers endless possibilities for bringing your creative vision to life. Mix papers, textures, and embellishments to create a piece that reflects your own personal style.

Until next time…
Judy V

Creating a Fun Dinosaur Scene Card

 Looking for inspiration to create a fun dinosaur scene card? This week is all about having fun with dinosaurs at Pajama Crafter Stamps! You'll see lots of inspiring ideas from the whole design team.

Come along with me and I'll show you how combining multiple stamp sets with layered scene-building techniques, playful sentiments and a few adaptations is a great way to create a fun card that's full of prehistoric personality.

Card Concept

I usually start a project by coming up with an overall design concept. 

It's Dinosaur Week so it's a no brainer that dinosaurs will be the main part of the project. And, putting them in some type of beach scene could be fun.

Choosing, stamping, coloring and fussy cutting the dinosaur images is the next step. Using two dinos from the Prehistoric Birthday Stamps is a great start. The sign post and driftwood stamps from Beach Huts Stamps will be great to add to a beach scene. There is a bird on the top of the sign post stamp, but wouldn't it be fun to replace it with a pterodactyl? There is one included in the Dinomite Birthday Stamps set, but he's playing the drums! So I make some adaptations so he can sit on the sign post. Cut the drum set and drum sticks away. I also thought it would be fun to stamp "It's Your Birthday" from Chip Chip Hooray Stamps and cover "sandy toes, salty kisses, seashell wishes" on the sign post

My next step is to cut a piece of white card stock for creating the background for the scene. Two other pieces of card stock are cut for matting. 

I went ahead and die cut the "DANG" with shadow from Dang, Whoa Yikes! Word and Shadow Dies. This will go well with the "You're Prehistoric" sentiment from Prehistoric Birthday Stamps.

Creating the Background

It's time to work on the background.

I took the white card stock panel and stenciled clouds, sand dunes and some grasses. Stamp the "You're Prehistoric" sentiment onto the background.

Adhere the background panel and mats to the card base.

Completing the Design

Arrange and adhere the fussy cut images and "Dang" sentiment to complete the scene.

Whether you're making a birthday card for a dinosaur lover or simply looking for a fun way to mix and match your favorite Pajama Crafter Stamps products, this project is a great reminder that combining stamp sets can open the door to endless creative possibilities.

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope this prehistoric birthday scene inspires you to pull out your favorite dinosaurs and create a card that's absolutely DANG fun!

Until next time,
Judy V

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Linking up to:

613 Avenue Create - ATG w/Play Time Twist

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - ATG

Creative Fingers Challenge - ATG

Krafty Chicks - ATG / Moodboard 

Simon Says Stamps Wednesday Challenge - ATG

A Perfect Time to Craft - ATG

Ally's Angels - ATG

Classic Design Challenge - ATG option

Crafts Galore Encore - ATG

Love to Craft Challenge -- ATG

Love to Scrap Challenge - ATG

The Creative Crafters - ATG

Not All Super Heroes Wear Capes | A Craft Roulette Inspired Card

Hey there!

Sharing a card today inspired by the creative parameters from 

Craft Roulette Episode #329.

I created a fun and heartfelt book binding card that celebrates everyday heroes. 

This design features the doctor image from the 

Saving Lives One At A Time stamp set from Pajama Crafter Stamps 

paired with a patterned paper from the Spring Plaids Paper Pack and

 a coordinating flashcard from the Hero Hotline Flashcards collection.

The book binding card design provides plenty of space to showcase the focal image 

while adding dimension and interest to the overall layout. 

The doctor image and flashcard were carefully colored with Prismacolor pencils, 

allowing for rich shading and vibrant details that bring the images to life.

To complement the medical theme, I chose the sentiment,

"Not all super heroes wear capes." 

It's a meaningful reminder of the dedication, compassion, and 

hard work shown by healthcare professionals every day. 

The hero-themed flashcard ties everything together and 

reinforces the message of appreciation.

 

The combination of detailed pencil coloring, layered design, 

and inspiring sentiment makes this card perfect for 

thanking a healthcare worker, celebrating a medical professional, or 

simply recognizing someone who makes a difference in the lives of others.

Thank you for stopping by today! 

I hope this project inspires you to create a card 

honoring one of the everyday heroes in your own life.

Shake Up Shark Week: Creating a Fun Interactive Shaker Card

 We are celebrating Shark Week at Pajama Crafter Stamps! Come along with me and I will show you how to create a fun interactive shaker card.

There's something about an interactive shaker card that instantly brings a design to life, and for Shark Week it couldn't be a better fit! By combining layered die-cutting, patterned papers, and sparkling shaker elements, you can create the illusion of a shark swimming through the ocean while adding plenty of movement and dimension.

Supplies

• Happy Flappy Stamps
• Dang, Whoa, Yikes! Word and Shadow Die
• Stitched Scalloped Border Die
• Nantucket Sea Escape Paper Pad
• Disco Tech Cardstock
• Opalescence Confetti Embellishments
• A Mermaid's Tail Confetti Embellishments
• Mystic Rain Confetti Embellishments
• Cardstock
• Acetate
• Foam adhesive strips
• Coloring medium of your choice
• Die cutting machine
• Adhesive

Creating the Shaker Window

Let's start with the shaker window.

Take the 2 plain border dies from the Stitched Scallops Border Die set. Tape to the front of a 4 3/4 x 6 1/4 inch piece of white cardstock as seen in photo below.

The left side of the top die is positioned approximately 2 1/4 inches down from the top with the right about 1 1/4 from the top.

The bottom is about 3 1/8 inches down on the left and about 3 1/4 inches on the right.

Run this through your die cutting machine and remove the cut portion. You'll need to do some trimming on the ends. This forms the shaker window.

Choose 2 pieces of patterned paper from the Nantucket Sea Escape Paper Pad for layering over the white panel.

These pieces measure 6 inches wide. Cut the top piece about 3 inches tall and the bottom 1 5/8 inches tall. Take one of the border dies and cut into these pieces. Trim to fit slightly smaller over the white panel all the way around.

Adhere to the white shaker panel.

Building the Shaker

Make a top folding 5 x 6 1/2 inch card base. 

Cut a piece of Disco Tech Cardstock 6 1/4 x 3 inches and adhere near the center of the card base. This is the background for the shaker. window.

Pour some Opalescence Confetti Embellishments, A Mermaid’s Tail Confetti Embellishments and Mystic Rain Confetti Embellishments onto the card base.

Add foam tape strips to the back of the shaker window panel around the window and the outside edges. Adhere the panel over the card base.

Focal Image

Stamp and color the focal image. In this case one of the sharks from the Happy Flappy Stamps.

Fussy cut the shark image.

Sentiments

Die cut “WHOA” from the Dang, Whoa, Yikes! Word and Shadow Die.

Stamp and heat emboss “sea-riously” and “jaw’ some” from the Happy Flappy stamp set. 

Fussy cut and adhere to an oval die cut.

Finishing

To compete the card add the shark and sentiments, adhering with foam tape.

This project is a great reminder that combining several techniques—layering patterned papers, creating an interactive shaker window, adding dimensional die cuts, and incorporating sparkling embellishments—can transform a simple card into one that’s full of movement and fun. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Shark Week with a card that’s sure to make a splash!

Be sure and be on the “look out” for Shark Week projects all this week from the rest of the Pajama Crafter Stamps Design Team!

Until next time-

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Linking up to:

A Place to Start - playing ATG

Ally's Angels - ATG

Classic Design Challenge - ATG/Any Holiday Twist

Love to Craft Challenge - ATG

Love to Scrap Challenge - ATG

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - ATG

Crafty Catz - ATG

Creative Fingers - ATG

Krafty Chicks - Masculine

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CHALLENGE RECOGNITION

A Little Christmas Joy Card

With the hot, hot weather we are enduring here today in the Denver, CO area 

it's nice to think about Christmas in hopes of feeling cooler.

It is Christmas in July after all.

Are you creating Christmas projects this month?

I've only done a few.

I usually wait until a little later in the year.

But today I'm sharing a cute and oh so sweet Christmas card created for

Conie Fong Art & Design 

using one of the digis from

Molly Winter Bundle.

I colored tis cutie with Ohuhu markers and fussy cut.

My card measures 6 x 6 inches.

I inked up a pieced of pearlized cardstock with 

sort of debossed snowflakes for the background.

A double mat was applied.

I die cut ovals to pop the image upon.

The Merry Christmas sentiment was die cut and adhered to a card stock strip.

A few snowflake gems were added to complete.

Hope you are staying cool where you are and thanks for stopping by!

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Linking up to:

Inspirational Challenges - Christmas in July

Crafty Catz - ATG

CRAFT Challenge - Christmas

Little Red Wagon - Christmas in July

Addicted to Stamps and More - Christmas 

A Perfect Time to Craft - ATG

Classic Design Challenge - Any Holiday

Crafter's Cafe - Christmas in July

Die Cut Divas - Christmas in July

Pearly Sparkles - Christmas in July

Paradise Memories: Tropical Themed Altered Frame Project

 Vacation memories deserve to be displayed!  

For today’s project, let’s transform a simple wood frame 

into a tropical themed altered frame that’s 

perfect for showcasing a favorite photo.

To start, gather some beautiful cardstock in tropical colors from CutCardStock.

DCS Pearlized Textured Splash Blue
Pop Tone Jellybean Green
DCS Canvas Textured Galax Olive Green
DCS Textured Pearl Green Curry
DCS Canvas Textured Mantis Green
Lessebo Sunflower Yellow
DCS Textured Flame Tree Orange
Bazzill Canvas Texture Peach
Lessebo Dawn 
Pop Tone Wild Cherry
Lessebo Bubble Gum Pink

You’ll need a wood frame and photo.

Also gather the following:

• Tropical flower and foliage dies
• Die cutting machine
• Stencil
• Dye inks or distress inks
• Ink blending tool
• Liquid adhesive
• Foam adhesive (optional for dimension)
• Paper trimmer
• Scissors

Step 1: Cover the Frame

Trace the frame onto the backside of the cardstock. 

Cut the cardstock along the tracing lines.

Adhere the cardstock securely to the front of the frame with decoupage medium. 

Smooth out any air bubbles for a clean finish.

Step 2: Add Stenciled Texture

Place your stencil over the cardstock covered frame and 

blend ink through the openings using a blending tool. 

Keep the ink application light so it adds subtle texture without competing with the embellishments.

Step 3: Add the Photo

Trim your photo to fit inside the frame and secure it in place.

Step 4: Die Cut the Tropical Elements

Die cut an assortment of tropical leaves and flowers from brightly colored CutCardStock. 

Vary the colors and shapes to create a lush island-inspired arrangement.

Assemble the die cut pieces.

Step 5: Build the Floral Clusters

Arrange the die-cut foliage first, allowing some pieces to extend beyond the edges of the frame. Layer the tropical flowers over the leaves, 

using foam adhesive on a few elements to create dimension.

Continue adjusting the placement until the clusters naturally frame the photo opening.

Finished Project

This tropical altered frame is a beautiful way to preserve special vacation memories while showcasing the versatility of cardstock. 

The combination of layered die cuts, soft stenciling, and vibrant colors creates a dimensional keepsake that’s perfect for displaying on a shelf, desk, or gallery wall.

Thank you for following along! 

I hope this project inspires you to transform a simple frame into 

a personalized piece of home décor using your favorite CutCardStock papers.

For more inspiration join us over on the CutCardStock Creative Blog, CutCardStock Facebook Page and the Facebook Group Creating with CutCardStock. 

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Linking up to:

Creative Inspiration Challenges - ATG

Crazy is our fame - STENCILS are our game! - stenciling (

my frame background is stenciled with a pattern)

Try it on Tuesday - Summer Blooms

Unicorn Challenge - No Designer Paper

A Cut Above - use at least 1 die cut

A Place to Start - playing ATG

613 Avenue Create - ATG w/Any Holiday Twist

A Perfect Time to Craft - ATG

Classic Design Challenge - ATG /Any Holiday Option

Crafts Galore Encore - ATG

The Four Seasons Challenge - Summer