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 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

It’s Cake Time

Hi there! It’s Rachel with a bright and cheerful birthday card. Even though it’s winter, the sun is out and the Poppystamps Fancy Party and Birthday penguins are ready for cake.

To create this card I die cut the penguins out of glossy black and white cardstock. I colored the eyes, beak and feet with permanenet markers. The penguin dies come with party hats but I opted to leave them off the card. I die cut the sunglasses with gold glittered paper and glossy black for the lenses. The Poppystamps Layer Cakes candles were cut in gold and purple specialty glitter papers. They are listed below. The cake in pearl white and yellow paper make it a beautiful cake.

The Poppystamps Nordic Swirl Tree dies are next. I love their rounded layers and gorgeous detail. Beginning at the top, I die cut the three layers in a gradient of green– Key Lime, Leaf Sprout and Cilantro.

I glued the pieces together for the penguins, cake and trees. So much fun!

Then I cut a white cardfront measuring approximately 4″ x 5.25″, just enough to leave a border from the Key Lime cardbase. I laid the Nordic Bloom Stencil over the cardfront and gently applied Mustard Seed Oxide Ink over it. I glued the cardfront to the cardbase.

I arranged the elements and when I found a design I liked, I glued it down. Finally I stamped the sentiments on the top right and the lower center. The picture above shows the magic of the specialty papers. Fabulous!

I guess I better be going as I don’t want to miss the cake! It was a fun time creating this card. I hope you take a look at the Poppystamps penguin release. It is so versatile and easy to put together. I love every single piece in this collection!

Supplies

2696 Layer Cakes

2701 Birthday Penguin

2700 Fancy Party Penguin

2737 Nordic Swirl Tree

T107 Nordic Bloom Stencil

SH44004 Black Glossy Paper

SH44005 Key Lime Paper Pack

SH44006 Leaf Sprout Paper Pack

SH44007 Cilantro Paper Pack

SH44018 Summer Squash Paper Pack

FP1002 Vintage Pastel Mirror Pad 6×6 pack

GP1007 Glitzy Glitter Pad

A Poppystamps Penguin Surprise!

Hi crafty friends! It’s Rachel here sharing a birthday card. Who would have thought a penguin would be jumping out of a present?! Surprise! It’s the Poppystamps Fancy Party Penguin! Birthday Penguin is joining in on the fun.

To create this card I used sparkle and shine specialty paper to give the card an extra burst of energy. I die cut the Poppystamps Fancy Party Penguin and the Birthday Penguin in glossy black cardstock and heavy white cardstock. The black paper is just gorgeous and reminds me of patent leather! I colored the eyes, nose and feet with permanent markers and adhered them together. I gave the Birthday Penguin an orange mirrored hat and a navy glitter top.

Next I die cut the Poppystamps “Fancy Gift” using mirrored raspberry paper for the box and two shades of glitter green for the ribbon. I glued the present together leaving the top box and bow separate.

Then I cut an A2 size cardfront out of Poppystamps Leaf Sprout paper. I framed the cardfront with the same green paper using the largest die of the Scalloped Pinpoint Frames. I adhered these pieces to an A2 white cardbase.

I arranged the penguins and glued them to the cardfront. I used dimensionals for the present to pop it up.

Treasure Chest Fairy Gemstones placed around the card. the iridescent quality is fabulous!

A gold foiled black Greeting Tab in bold letters finishes the card.

Oh how I love the Poppystamp Penguins latest release. I went all out with loads of glitz on this card. So much fun to make, I hope you get a chance to check out all the goodies!

Supplies

2701 Birthday Penguin

2700 Fancy Party Penguin

2694 Fancy Gift

2751 Scalloped Pinpoint Frames

SH44004 Black Glossy Paper

FP1003 Rainbow Reflections Mirror Pad 6×6 pack

GP1007 Glitzy Glitter Pad

GP1006 Festive Glitter Pad

SH44006 Leaf Sprout Paper Pack

GEM101 Treasure Chest Fairy Gemstones

A Cool and Chilly Poppystamps Christmas!

Hi friends! A brand new Poppystamps release just arrived and I am super excited to share a cool and chilly Christmas card with you. An adorable set of Penguins in party mode with balloons, presents, cake and even a snazzy car. My very favorite die has got to be the Poppystamps Floating Igloo and Iceberg! Wow, a definite “must have!”

I die cut the Poppystamps Fancy Party Penguin and Floating Igloo and Iceberg out of watercolor paper. Next I loosely watercolored the pieces to give it a fluid appearance.

Then I cut an A2 size cardfront out of the 8.5 x 11 Powder Blue Paper Pack. I added a small portion of water to white acrylic paint. The consistency should be loose enough to splatter but thick enough to resemble snow. On this background, I loaded a fan paintbrush with the paint and tapped the handle onto the cardfront and snow appeared!. The first time the paint was too thin so I let it dry and went back and repeated the process with less water. The result was varied layers of splatters that were just the right consistency!

I trimmed the cardfront slightly smaller than an A2 size and adhered it onto a white cardbase. I glued the igloo and penguin together and placed them onto the cardfront. I couldn’t get over how adorable this looked ! I chose an Open Studio gold foiled greeting tab saying Merry Christmas. I decided it could use a bit of sparkle, so glitter glue on the glasses and top of hat added just the right amount. A Fairy Jewel next to the sentiment completes the card–so cool!

I can’t wait to make tons of cards using the Poppystamps Penguins. These adorables are quite the sought after arctic friend this season! I will be back very soon with another penguin card– a different style, but equally wonderful. Brrr, it’s getting chilly out here but it’s never too cold to be cool! Until then, check out this release. I guarantee you are going to love it just as much as I do!

Supplies

2700 Fancy Party Penguin

2698 Floating Igloo and Iceberg

SH44011 Powder Blue Paper Pack

JWL004 Autumn Fairy Jewels

Poppystamps Joy of the Season

Hi crafty friends! It’s Rachel here with a holiday card featuring the Poppystamps Nordic Serene Dove. It’s one dove that I adhered the wings in multiple ways to make the doves appear as more than one type.

I die cut the Poppystamps Nordic Layered Joy. I used a heavy white cardtock for the full letters and silver glitter paper for the lower half pieces. I arranged the doves on the card surrounding the sentiment. I glued the birds down to complete the card!

To create this card, I cut out the Nordic Serene Dove in midnight navy gold and silver glitter paper, white and cream cardstock and grey and gold pearl papers. I love this color combination. All the paper packs used are linked below.

I spent alot of time deciding what color I would make each dove. Next I glued the body pieces together. I glued the two pieces of the wings. Then the best part was deciding what each bird would be doing! One was dipping. one was flapping its wing in an arched position, one was perched and a few were in flight. I glued the bodies to the wings.
What a fun project!

I die cut a charcoal grey cardstock using the Poppystamps Scalloped Pinpoint largest frame.I adhered it to a heavy white card base. The white border is crisp and a nice border to frame the grey.

I die cut the Poppystamps Nordic Layered Joy. I used a heavy white cardtock for the full letters and silver glitter paper for the lower half pieces. I arranged the doves on the card surrounding the sentiment. I glued the birds down to complete the card!

I love the beautiful sparkle and glow this card displays. It has an elegance just perfect when it catches the light just right.

This card was pure joy to create! The Poppystamps Nordic Serene Dove die is one that you will want to add to your collection. I hope I captured the beauty of this dove for you. Thanks so much for stopping by. Until next time, have a joyful day!

Supplies

2747 Nordic Serene Dove

2762 Nordic Layered Joy

2751 Scalloped Pinpoint Frames

FP1002 Vintage Pastel Mirror Pad 6×6 pack

GP1001 Delicate Pastel Glitter Pad

FP1003 Rainbow Reflections Mirror Pad 6×6 pack

Poppystamps Corgi Wishes!

Hi, it’s Rachel here with a holiday card featuring the Poppystamps Happy Corgi die! He is so handsome in his shiny red sweater with the sparkly green trim. I’m sure he is ready for the next walk out on the town!

To create this card I die cut the corgi body in white cardstock. I watercolored the ears in a pale pink. The spots, outlined ears and tail, I used a creme paper and watercolored a warm caramel brown on them. The eyes and nose were cut out in black. The fancy sweater I cut out using the reflection and glitter pads listed below. I love these special papers so much!

The Poppystamps Cute Bow is gorgeous in shiny raspberry and red glitter paper. I die cut the Nordic Holly Sprig two times in three shades of green sheets of paper listed below. The stem is kraft cardstock from my stash and the berries are the red glitter paper I used on the bow!

I diecut the Poppystamps Diamond Oval Pinpoint Background in white and adhered it to a heavy white cardbase. Then I used the largest of the frames die from the Scalloped Pinpoint Frames and cut it out in Raspberry Sorbet. I adhered it onto the background.

I diecut the Warm Wishes Cheerful Script in glossy black paper also listed below. It also comes with the outline die which I will use at another time.

I glued all the pieces together and arranged them on the card. Once I had the composition just how I envisioned, I glued it onto the cardfront. Notice I overlapped the images onto the frame! The card is complete!

I must admit I love this card and the Corgi is absolutely one of my new favorite dies. You can omit the sweater for warmer temperatures and this dog will be useful for all year long. The Poppystamps holiday release is a must-have so please check it out, you won’t be disappointed! Until next time, happy crafting!


Supplies

2756 Happy Corgi

2749 Nordic Holly Sprig

2755 Warm Wishes Cheerful Script

2753 Cute Bow

2757 Diamond Oval Pinpoint Background

2751 Scalloped Pinpoint Frames

SH44005 Key Lime Paper Pack

SH44006 Leaf Sprout Paper Pack

SH44007 Cilantro Paper Pack

SH44004 Black Glossy Paper

SH44016 Raspberry Sorbet Paper Pack

GP1007 Glitzy Glitter Pad

FP1003 Rainbow Reflections Mirror Pad 6×6 pack