Poppystamps Challenge Reminder ~ Light A Candle!

Hi there! It’s Rachel here with a Poppystamps PSC #137 Challenge Reminder. The theme is Mixed Media Texture or Layers! Create a themed card using layers, texture and mutiple mediums. Link up your card, you have until April 29th, 12 am EST time. The winners will be revealed on May 1st!

My card is made up of layers of watercolor paint loosely running and colliding into one another with no solid shape or recognizable pattern. I used tons of water to cover the cardfront before introducing fuschia, yellow and orange pigment.

Next I die cut the Poppystamps Layer Cakes using Key Lime, Leaf Sprout and Cilantro green cardstock. These gorgeous greens are listed below. The cake tops, candles and flames are die cut from pearlized specialty paper. I glued the cakes together and then glued them to the cardfront!

I adhered the flames to the candles, grouped them together in a fun bunch and adhered them to the cardfront. The hearts are leftover pieces from the Poppystamps Nordic Heart Pattern Rings die. (Below in the supplies list you can see the rings, a must have!) The star is a leftover cutout in a balloon from the Poppystamps Festive Balloons.

I stamped the wavy sentiment in black ink. The curve of the sentiment fit just right under the cakes. Subtle reddish orange paint splattered on the top, completes the card!

I hope you get a chance to create a card for the challenge! The mixed media theme is super fun and a great way to experiment with a carefree style where anything can be imagined on paper. My card background reminds me of the beautiful hotspring pools in Yellowstone National Park. Though the colors are not necessarily similar, the visual, circular depth might resemble the hotsprings. Have a wonderful day!

Supplies

2696 Layer Cakes

CB514 Birthday Banners clear stamp and die set

2688 Nordic Heart Pattern Rings

2695 Festive Balloons

SH44005 Key Lime Paper Pack

SH44006 Leaf Sprout Paper Pack

SH44007 Cilantro Paper Pack

Poppystamps Thank You Kindly!

Hi friends, it’s Rachel here with a “chirpful” thank you card. I love this bird and the flowers from the latest Poppystamps Nordic Dream release. My favorite is the Nordic Petalglow Flower (on the right). The delicate, intricate details are amazing! The soft blue, yellow and warm green hues on this card make me happy!

To create this card, I focused on color cardstock and ink blending directly on the diecuts to build dimension and interest. I did not use glitter, mirrored or pearlescent paper that I am always compelled to use. Can you believe it?!

My starting point was diecutting the Nordic Nestled Bird. As you can see above, I tried a few different color combinations. I saved the extra birds and pieces not used for another project.

I decided on a two toned bird. Blueprint Sketch Distress Oxide Ink seemed the best to blend on Powdery Blue and Blueberry Mist cardstock. I ink blended Mustard Seed Distress Oxide Ink on Golden Wheat cardstock. I used a black marker for the eye and an orange one for the beak.

Next I die cut the Nordic Luminelle Flower and Nordic Petalglow Flower dies. Shades of green make up the leaves and I ink blended Mowed Lawn Distress Ink on the base areas. The white and yellow blooms are a striking pair. The orange center brings the colors together!

I die cut the Poppystamps Thank You Tender Script sentiment die in Blueberry Mist and the background in white. I love the white background to make the words stand out. I ink blended an A2 white cardfront with blue to act as clouds. Then I distressed the edges with a scissor. I tied a chenelle pastel yellow string around the cardfront and glued it down on a white cardbase. I left the outer edges unglued!

To complete the card, I added a Fairy drop on the blossom’s orange center. The clear embellishment resembles a water drop!

This card can be recreated in so many fun colors. Also, it’s versatile and makes a great birthday, hello and thinking of you card! Please take a peek at the Poppystamps Nordic Dream, the latest release, you will fall in love with it. So long for now, see you very soon and keep on crafting!

Supples

2778 Nordic Petalglow Flower

2763 Nordic Luminelle Flower

2765 Nordic Nestled Bird

2776 Thank You Tender Script

SP1011 Leafy 6×6 pack

SH44011 Powder Blue Paper Pack

SH44012 Blueberry Mist Paper Pack

SH44017 Orange Peel Paper Pack

SH44019 Golden Wheat Paper Pack

DRP101 Fairy Drops

A Poppystamps Birthday Tea!

Hi, I’m here to share a Birthday Tea card! What a fun way to spend the day whether it’s spilling the tea, or drinking the tea with a wonderful friend! I created this delightful card in a display of bright Poppystamps cardstock colors. The Nordic Cheery Butterflies and the Nordic Cozy Tea Cup dies are absolutely awesome.

To create this card I diecut the Poppystamps Nordic Cozy Tea Cup in trios of color–two colors in the same family and a third color for the rim. I adhered the cups together and arranged them how I thought looked best.

I diecut the Diamond Oval Pinpoint Background in a light cream cardstock and glued it to a white cardbase. Now for the cups and butterflies…When adhering the pieces to the card, I used extra layers of cardstock under areas that were lower than the rest of the diecut before gluing it down.

Next I chose glitter and pearlescent papers in coral and blue to cut out the Nordic Cheery Butterflies. I assembled the butterflies and die cut the antennae in black glossy paper. Then I used the same black paper to cut out the Happy Birthday Tender Script. I doubled up the layers of the sentiment to make it extra thick and strong. I adhered it to the card slightly off to the right for balance.

I love the patent leather look of this paper. It adds so much pizazz to a regular black paper.

Finally, Fairy Jewels finish the card!

The Poppystamps Nordic Cheery Butterflies and Nordic Cozy Tea Cup dies are so versatile and easy to use. I hope you check out the new release, Nordic Daydream. It’s great for all cards for spring and summer and beyond. Until next time, have a friend join you in making cards while you chat and spill the tea!

Supplies

2767 Nordic Cheery Butterflies

2769 Nordic Cozy Tea Cup

2768 Happy Birthday Tender Script

2757 Diamond Oval Pinpoint Background

SH44004 Black Glossy Paper

FP1002 Vintage Pastel Mirror Pad 6×6 pack

GP1001 Delicate Pastel Glitter Pad

SP1012 Blush 6×6 pack

SH44005 Key Lime Paper Pack

SH44006 Leaf Sprout Paper Pack

SH44009 Pool Party Paper Pack

SH44010 Fresh Aqua Paper Pack

SH44011 Powder Blue Paper Pack

SH44013 Lavender Bloom Paper Pack

SH44019 Golden Wheat Paper Pack

Hooray Happy Birthday! by Rachel Duong

March 19, 2026BirthdayCongratulationsGlitterPatterned PaperRachel DuongUncategorizedwreath

Hi friends, it’s Rachel here with a colorful balloon wreath on a fun, birthday card. I used the Poppystamps Festive Balloons and Balloon Bunch dies wrapped up with the Poppystamps Cute Bow. I had the best time die cutting so many balloons in all the colors — any extras? Of course, I saved them for many more cards to come!

After the balloons, I die cut the Cute Bow in a beautiful muted red. I used orange for the under side of the ribbon. I placed a ring-shaped base down and glued balloons onto it varying the colors and sizes overlapping them in all directions! The larger balloons went on the bottom and the smaller on top.

Next I cut a 3 1/8″ square from white cardstock. Slightly smaller I cut a pastel blue glitter square, slightly smaller a yellow square and then a 3 1/2″ white square. I adhered it all together.

I chose a pastel orange from the Birthday Fun paper pad and sized it to fit on an A2 card with a fine edge of the white cardbase showing.

I stamped the sentiment, HOORAY in orange and die cut it out. I love this bold stamp which comes with the die and many more stamp sentiments to go with it.

{ placed the wreath and the sentiment where I liked it best on the card. Then I stamped the wavy birthday sentiment in charcoal grey ink. I glued the pieces down. Finally I added a Fairy Dewdrop embellishment.

A fun card to make and it can be created with so many variations. I can’t wait to use this same card but die cut balloons in mirrored paper and glitter paper!I hope you feel inspired to try this out, it is a great card to have on hand for all ages and leave off the happy birthday to add a sentiment fit for another special occasion. Check out the birthday section of Poppystamps dies, there are so many to choose from!

Growing In Unity 2026 ~ Day 4

Hi friends, it’s Day 4 and my card today is a mix of fun and friendship. I love the dog and cat’s intense eyes expressing so many things to the viewer. Best of ‘Em by Unity Stamp Co. is the name of the set. At first looking for a snarky sentiment, I then decided the one that came with it was just right.

To create this card, I stamped the image on watercolor paper. I used Versafine black ink and lightly tapped the inked stamp in the positioner extra times for details without too much pressure. I watercolored the dog and cat with reddish browns and greys.

Next I diecut lights from Picket Fence Studios in black paper and glued it above the images. Copper Stickles on each bulb gave the lights a nice glow.

I embossed a kraft cardfront with a Tim Holtz Sizzix folder, Lumber. I also embossed a Poppystamps wood textured folder for the small strip at the top of the fence. I glued the fence, images and cross piece on a black cardbase.

Then I stamped the sentiment on black paper using white pigment ink. After it dried, I trimmed it and adhered it to a copper metallic paper.

Finally a fun touch, I diecut Gina Marie Little Mice in black cardstock. Adhering the silhouettes on top of the sentiment, they are interacting without bothering the dog and cat!

I noticed that the cat and dog’s eyes are looking directly at me no matter which way I turn the card. This picture is taken from the top with the card standing. How cool is that?

Thanks for stopping by. I hope the mice didn’t unsettle you.(They probably would have scared me) Next time will be frogs or squirrels!

Until tomorrow, have a creative fulfilling day!

Rachel

Please follow me on Instagram @cardartbyrachel

Growing in Unity 2026 ~ Day 3

Hi to all! It’s Growing In Unity Day 3. I am sharing a card with the incredible image, Unwritten Sisterhood by Unity Stamp Company. I love the swooping, wavy lines giving the hair an artistic, yet realistic presence.

With a heavy hand I stamped and restamped the image on watercolor paper to create bold lines. Applying uneven pressure it allowed the lines to naturally break as if a crayon was used to scribble out a beautiful sketch.I applied black and grey watercolor paint to the hair. Then with water, I moved the paint around dabbing areas I wanted less intense for light and shadows. With teal green and fuschia orange, I painted the clothing. Varying the intensity of color, I love how they continue the feel of the fluid and flowing mood.

The background began with a light wash of lavender. I was not satisfied with the coolness of the appearance so I added reds, oranges and fuschia, most intense on the top and worked down with generous amounts of water.

I die cut the cardfront with a Gina Marie stitched die and adhered to a white cardbase. Using the strips of leftover background, I stamped the sentiment, roughed up the edges, and glued it to a wider strip.

I pulled out a heart brad that nearly matched the background, punched a hole through the strips and fastened it on. I adhered the strip to the upper half allowing it to extend to the card edges. All done!

Absolutely one of my favorite Unity Stamp Company images, I contemplate what the women are thinking, looking at and what the connection might be. Are they happy, content? Are they viewing a landscape, at a concert? Are they sisters, friends, partners?

Thanks for stopping by, have a fantastic day!

Rachel

Please follow me on Instagram @cardartbyrachel

Growing In Unity 2026 ~ Day 2

Hi Crafty Friends! It’s Day Two as the Growing In Unity girl. I am sharing an irresistible robot card. Growing up I don’t remember the heart sign using two hands together, do you?– I think it is the most lovable, universal sign. I just love it! …and the robot becomes human when he makes the heart sign..

To create this card I stamped the Heart Mode: Activated stamp on watercolor paper in black Versafine ink. I painted the background immediately around the subject in Ultramarine Blue MoZArt Komorebi watercolors. The outer area, Azurite Blue. The two blues gives the piece movement and fluidity. I left the gloves whiteto make the sign stand out.

Next comes the really fun part! I painted the robot in Metallic White. So cool, I love it when light affects paint visually on a card–magic! The heart is a mix of Crimson, Carmine and Metallic Bronze. No worries on staying too much in the lines but if you find it annoying, leave the stamp in the platform (if you use one) so you can restamp it after painting. I used a permanent black marker to accentuate the eyes.

Then I chose a pale blue cardbase. I embossed a yellow cardstock with benday dots. I trimmed it slightly smaller than the base and adhered it. The tiniest hint of base showing through gives it a finished look. I love a blue and yellow (van Gogh) combination.

I ran the image through a Gina Marie stitched border die and adhered it to the layered cardbase.

Finally I stamped the sentiment on a Poppystamps Word Balloons die. The die is popped up a small amount by gluing two word balloons on top of one another. I stamped Feel better soon! on the inside.

The recipient of this card might go to a friend in a rough spot or exhaustion from the ongoings of life. One daughter tells me she knows when her social battery is low and it’s time to leave the party! I like that concept.

Unity Stamp Company has this stamp available on their site as well as a companion robot holding a balloon!

A blast to make, I hope you have a fully charged kind of day!

Rachel

Please follow me on Instagram @cardartbyrachel

Growing In Unity 2026

Day 1 – A Cat With Most of the Hat!

So in love am I with the Pissy Kitty line of stamps Unity Stamp Company has introduced to us this past year. Forever a dog person, I am realizing I can love all animals! In the past few years bunnies and a cat have filled my heart and home (part-time) with a new sense of endearment. I keep dreaming of adding an alpaca to our family but would require moving.

Hissy Kringle Pissy Kitty is the name of the stamp set featuring the grumpy yet adorable, handsome feline. I masked off the tassel and pompom on the santa hat and stamped the image on watercolor paper. I used a permanent black marker to fill in the top of the hat–a beanie appeared. I watercolored the image with MoZArt Komorebi watercolor paints.

Next I adhered a chartreuse patterned paper to a lime A2 cardbase. I diecut the left edge of the kitty panel using a Picket Fence Studios Scene Building Die and adhered it onto the patterned paper and cardbase.

For interest, I pieced together a Poppystamps Nordic Perched Cardinal in red glitter and mirrored paper. It landed right on top of the kitty’s cap, another reason to make the kitty “pissy”! Rummaging through my treasure trove of leftover pieces, I adhered hearts to the top of the card.

Rummaging through my treasure trove of leftover pieces, I adhered fancy hearts to symbolize the beautiful song the cardinal chirps.

Notice the way the card comes to life when the light catches the elements just right.

A popped up gold embossed sentiment onto a strip of glitterey green paper finishes the card!

Thanks for making my first day of Growing in Unity a great one. Until tomorrow, please let me know if you have any questions, comments and ideas.

Rachel

Please follow me on instagram @cardartbyrachel

Some Bunny Special!

Some Bunny Special!
by Rachel Duong

February 25, 2026AnimalsBabyBirthdayBunniesCongratulationsDistress Oxide InksEasterFriendshipGlitterHeartsLove/ValentineNordicRachel DuongUncategorized

Hi crafty friends! It’s Rachel here with a super special bunny card. I used the Poppystamps Nordic Adorable Bunny die. My card is a little bit vintage, pastel, glittery, pearlescent and sweet. It can be used for a baby card, an Easter card, Birthday card or even a thinking of you card.

To create this card I diecut the Nordic Adorable Bunny in a heavy white cardstock. I colored in the black eyes and pink nose with permanent markers. I die cut the inner ears and sweater in pearl pink from the Memory Box Vintage Pastel Mirror Pad. I die cut the sweater overlay in silver pearl paper. I glued the pieces together.

Next I die cut the Poppystamps For Some Bunny Special die. I used the same pearl pink paper as the ears and sweater, for the sentiment. I love the font and the large-sized words.

I chose platinum silver, light teal, and pastel blue glitter paper to cut out the Poppystamps Nordic Heart. The heart is a Nordic pattern with punch outs and comes in three pieces.

Then I cut a white woodgrain textured paper to fit an A2 cardfront. I blended pink distress oxide inks over the edges and a bit of teal oxide ink. I distressed the edges with a scissor bladeto give it a vintage feel. I glued the cardfront onto the heavy white cardcase.

Finally I added sea blue burlap twine over the left side of the card. The sentiment cuts out a little heart located under the “e ” in some. I used a pale blue glitter. The pink heart I glued beside the bunny.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you like my bunny card. All the Poppystamps supplies I used are listed below. Until next post, have a wonderful day!

Supplies

2706

2721

2689

FP1002

GP1001

SH44001

Best Day Ever!

Best Day Ever!
by Rachel Duong

February 17, 2026AnimalsBirdsBirthdayDogFlowersNordicPatterned PaperRachel DuongSpringUncategorizedVellum

Hi Poppystamps friends!! It’s Rachel here with a Best Day Ever Spring card. The Corgi and Nordic Resting Cardinal dies make a great duo ready for spring.

To create this card I adhered a mint green patterned paper from the Poppystamps Birthday Fun paper pack to a heavy white cardbase. I die cut the Scallop Pinpoint Rings die in white. I used the second to the largest circle and adhered it to the cardfront. I die cut the same ring in heavy vellum and adhered it inside the white border.

Next I diecut the Poppystamps Nordic Resting Cardinal using the Memory Box Rainbow Reflections Mirror Pad in blue. I used the pearl paper from the Vintage Pastel Mirror Pad pearl teal for two of the wing parts. A tiny bit of black glossy paper was just right for the face and yellow paper for the beak. Did you notice I changed the bird to be a bluejay instead of a cardinal!

The Poppystamps Corgi is next so I used the same Rainbow Reflections Mirror Pad for the orange metallic spots dies. I used black glossy paper for the eyes and nose and white cardstock for the body. The inside of the ears was also white with pink tone of oxide ink lightly brushed on.

It’s still chilly outside for this puppy so he will wear a warm sweater. I chose a beautiful Summer Squash yellow and Cilantro green for those walks outside. The cardstock is listed in the supplies below. I can’t say enough about the excellent quality of this cardstock. The vivid color and the thickness cuts perfectly with the dies. It makes a great cardbase too.

Then I stamped the sentiment in Versafine black ink. I used the Hooray clear stamp kit.

Last but not least, I added a Winter Fantasy Fairy Gemstone!

I am looking forward to spring and all the fresh and bright cardmaking. I hope you love my card. All the items used are by Poppustamps and available on the website.

Happy Crafting!

Supplies

2754 Nordic Resting Cardinal

2756 Happy Corgi

CL520 Hooray clear stamp set

Gem102 Winter Fantasy Fairy Gemstones

pp2100 Birthday Fun 6×6 pack

FP1002 Vintage Pastel Mirror Pad 6×6 pack

FP1003 Rainbow Reflections Mirror Pad 6×6 pack

SH44018 Summer Squash Paper Pack

SH44007 Cilantro Paper Pack

SH44004 Black Glossy Paper