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

Christmas Carolers Card

Happy Wednesday!

Today I'm sharing a Christmas in July card.

This one was created with 

Christmas Carolers Digi Stamp

Digi Doodle Studios.

I went with a simple card design.

Just the image, which I colored with Prismacolor Pencils and fussy cut.

A background of patterned paper from my stash and

snowbanks I created by hand cutting and adding a little color with pencil color.

A die cut sentiment and it's done!

This is a quick and easy way to create several cards if needed!

Digi Doodle Studios has lots of Christmas digis and others for any occasion.

Check them out!

Believe in the Adventure: A Craft Roulette Inspired Encouragement Card

Sharing a card today created with Pajama Crafter Stamps using inspiration from Craft Roulette.

 Craft Roulette always provides a fun creative challenge, 

and this card was created with the parameters from Episode #328. 

Project | My card is a top folding A2 (4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches)

Colors | Tutti Fruiti - pink, green, yellow, orange, blue

Element | Container - suit of armor (a container protects something, which the armor does!)

Random | Unusual Color - bright pink armor

All parameters met!

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I wanted to create a scene that felt both adventurous and encouraging, 

resulting in a card that celebrates courage, strength, and the journey ahead.

The focal point features the image from the Unstoppable Stamps set 

paired with the beautiful castle from the Greatest Treasure Stamps set. 

The castle creates a magical destination while the character in the foreground brings the scene to life, inviting the recipient to dream big and embrace new adventures.

To create a bright and uplifting background, I used the Sunburst Stencil to add rays of sunshine across the sky. The radiating design helps draw attention to the focal images and adds a sense of energy and optimism to the card.

The landscape was created using the Stitched Scalloped Border Die. 

By layering several die-cut hills, I was able to add depth and dimension. 

I added a brick embossed wall created with and embossing folder from my stash.

For the sentiment, I chose "Free spirit. Brave heart. Strong soul." from the Flower Child Stamps set. The message perfectly captures the adventurous feel of the card and 

serves as a powerful reminder to embrace life's journey with confidence and courage.

I love how the layered hills, bright sunburst background, and inspiring sentiment come together to tell a story of determination and possibility. This card would be perfect for encouraging a friend, celebrating a milestone, or reminding someone special just how strong they truly are.

Thanks for stopping by!

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Linking up to: 

A Place to Start - playing ATG

613 Avenue Create - playing ATG

A Perfect Time to Craft - ATG

Classic Design Challenge - ATG

Creative Fingers Challenge - ATG

School Days Folio: A Handmade Keepsake for Back-to-School Memories

Back-to-school season is the perfect time to preserve those special moments, 

and today I’m sharing a fun and compact School Days Folio 

created with chipboard embellishments from Clear Scraps. 

This little folio is the perfect size for holding favorite school photos, report cards, 

journaling, and other treasured keepsakes from the school year.

The finished folio measures 4¼ x 6¼ x ½ inches, making it easy to tuck onto a bookshelf or display on a desk while still offering plenty of room inside for memories.

For the cover, I used the School Days Chipboard Embellishments as the focal point. Chipboard embellishments are a wonderful way to add dimension and personality to any project.

Start the project by cutting a piece of heavy weight card stock to 11 x 7 1/4 inches for the folio cover. Score at 4 1/4, 4 3/4 and 9 inches along the 11 inch side. Score at 1/2 and 6 3/4 inches on the shorter side. Cut away the 1/2 inch score lines down to the 9 inch score line to form tabs for a pocket. Notch the tab portions by cutting from the edge to the score line diagonally.

The next pieces will form the interactive parts of the folio.

Cut 2 pieces of card stock measuring 4 1/8 x 6 3/4 inches. Score these at 1/2 and 3 5/8 on the long side. Notch the 1/2 inch ends as above forming tabs.

Cut 1 piece to 3 7/8 x 4 1/4 inches, Score at 1/2 inch on the 3 7/8 inch side.

Cut 1 piece to 4 1/4 x 6 1/2 inches. Score at 3 1/4 inches on the longer side.

Choose pattern papers and/or solid card stock to cover all sides of the folio pieces 

except the inside part of the cover that will form the pocket and the inside front cover. 

Each of these pieces are cut 1/4 inch smaller than the panels.

Adhere the 3 panels with tabs to the inside of the front cover. Fold and glue the tabs for the pocket on the inside back cover. See photo for reference.

Add a piece of pattern paper or card stock to the inside front cover to hide the adhered tabs.

With the construction of the folio complete 

it’s time to embellish the front cover with the chipboard pieces.

Trace the apple and pencil onto the backside of cardstock.

Cut and add some shading with ink.

Adhere the card stock to the chipboard. 

Add color to the leaf & stem on the apple and eraser and lead on the pencil with markers.

Before adhering the chipboard to the front, 

add a ribbon for closure and die cut frame to cover the ribbon.

Adhere the chipboard to the frame to complete. 

Add a “school days” title to the apple with stickers or die cuts.

The interactive sections can be customized to fit your needs.

Add photo mats, pockets for memorabilia, flip-out pages, journaling spots, 

or even handwritten notes from teachers and classmates. 

It’s a wonderful project that can grow along with a student’s memories throughout the school year.

This folio would make a thoughtful back-to-school gift, 

a teacher appreciation keepsake, or a memorable way to 

celebrate the first and last days of school.

I hope this project inspires you to create a special place for preserving school memories.

Layers of Creativity: Combining Cardmaking Techniques

 A great way to create an eye-catching handmade card is by combining several cardmaking techniques into one design. Stamping, coloring, stenciling, die cutting and paper layering each add their own unique element. Together they create a card with beautiful depth, color, and dimension. And, it's easy to do with the great variety of products from Pajama Crafter Stamps!

Create the Focal

For this project, start with the Flower Child Stamps image. Stamp the image onto white cardstock. Color with your preferred coloring medium to bring the sweet image to life. Once the coloring is complete, fussy cut the image so it becomes the star of the card.

Card Background

To create the background, use an ink blending technique with the In My Heart of Hearts Stencil onto white cardstock. The heart pattern adds texture and interest without overwhelming the focal image, making it the perfect backdrop.

Assemble

Next gather all of the elements for building the layers! 

Combine a solid color card base with one of the papers with texture from the Birthday Bash Paper Pack. The panel with stenciling goes on next. 

Cut a strip of one of the papers from the Spring Plaid Paper Pack . Add the strip to the left side of the card. This is the fourth layer. 

Layering the papers not only frames the focal image beautifully but also adds extra dimension and visual interest. 

Stamp a sentiment from the My Best Friend Stamps onto the textured paper from Birthday Bash Paper Pack. Die cut with the Banner Die Set. This piece ties the entire design together while adding one more layer. 

Pop the Flower Child focal image onto the card with foam tape. Add Daffodil Confetti Embellishments to complete.

This card is a wonderful example of how a few simple techniques can work together to create a polished design.

Whether you're experimenting with new products or reaching for your favorite supplies, mixing stamping, coloring, stenciling and layered papers is an easy way to add depth and personality to your handmade cards.

Products Used

• Flower Child Stamps
• In My Heart of Hearts Stencil
• Banner Die Set
• My Best Friend Stamps
• Spring Plaids Paper Pack
• Birthday Bash Paper Pack
• Daffodil Confetti Embellishments

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope this project inspires you to combine your favorite papercrafting techniques and create your own layered masterpiece. 

Be sure to visit the Pajama Crafter Stamps shop for these fun products!

Until next time, 
Judy 

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Linking up to:

613 Avenue Create - playing ATG

A Perfect Time to Craft - ATG

Ally's Angels - ATG

Classic Design Challenge - ATG

The Creative Crafters - ATG

Love to Craft - ATG

Love to Scrap - ATG

Mirtillamente Challenge - ATG

Moving Along with the Times - Use a Coloring Medium

Crafty Catz - ATG

A Place to Start - playing ATG

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - ATG

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CHALLENGE RECOGNITION

Color Me Happy Hop | Pajama Crafter Stamps

The Pajama Crafter Stamps Color Me Happy Inspiration Hop is officially live!

Join our Design Team as they share creative handmade cards featuring

a variety of coloring techniques using their favorite Pajama Crafter Stamps products.

You'll find inspiration with alcohol markers, colored pencils,

watercolor, ink blending, mixed media, and more.

My inspiration card was created with Buggin' You Stamps and Lovely Bouquet Stamps.

The images were colored with my favorite medium, Prismacolor Pencils.

The colored images really "pop" against the white background!

I stamped a border with one of the stamps from Meowentine Stamps.

The sentiment from Buggin' You Stamps was stamped directly onto the white background.

Ballet Slipper Confetti Embellishments add the perfect finishing touch!

Hop along to discover new ideas, learn fun techniques, and

see how each designer brings their stamped images to life.

Start the hop here: @pajamacrafterstamps

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Linking up to:

Crafty Catz - ATG

Creative Fingers - ATG

Cardz 4 Galz - For a Friend or Friendship

Ellibelle's Garden Party - Anything from or in a garden

Creative Inspiration Challenges - ATG

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Fabulous Florals

Sisterhood of Crafters - Flowers

I Spy with my Little Eye - Something with Wings

Word Art Wednesday - ATG

A Place to Start - playing ATG

613 Avenue Create - playing ATG

A Perfect Time to Craft - ATG

Ally's Angels - ATG

Classic Design Challenge - ATG

Love to Craft - ATG

Love to Scrap - ATG