Saturday, July 25, 2026
A Little Christmas Joy Card
Friday, July 24, 2026
Paradise Memories: Tropical Themed Altered Frame Project
Vacation memories deserve to be displayed!
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.
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.
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.
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
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Christmas Carolers Card
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Believe in the Adventure: A Craft Roulette Inspired Encouragement Card
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.
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!
Monday, July 20, 2026
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.
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.
With the construction of the folio complete
it’s time to embellish the front cover with the chipboard pieces.
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.
Sunday, July 19, 2026
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.
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





































