Altenew- Easy Mixed Media for Cardmakers: Slimline Floral Card

Hello everyone! I had created this card for my post as Altenew Ambassador but I got covid and couldn't post it. For this card, I wanted to combine soft mixed-media texture with bright, cheerful florals. This slimline design uses gentle ink blending, subtle texture in the background, and layered die-cut flowers to create lots of dimension without complicated steps. It’s a great project if you love colorful cards but still want something relaxing and easy to make.

All the supplies are listed below.

• Cut and fold a slimline card base (approx. 3.5" × 8.5").
• Trim a watercolor panel slightly smaller than the card front and set it aside for the background.
• Apply light watercolor wash using pastel shades (soft blue, yellow, and pink) over the panel.
• Let the panel dry completely.
• Use the Vintage Motifs stencil and apply texture paste lightly in a few areas.

• Stamp and Color the Floral Images using stencils.
• Die-cut  the image
• Arrange flowers onto the panel to guide the eye from top to bottom.
• Use foam tape behind some flowers 
• Tuck smaller flowers and leaves behind the main blooms for a natural layered look.
• Add Sentiment
• Adhere the finished panel to the slimline card base.

Thank you for dropping by and have a nice day!

Modern Mosaic Cover Plate Cards + Watercolor Backgrounds (2 Easy Designs)

Hi crafty friends! Today I’m sharing two easy cards made using cover plate dies and watercolor backgrounds — a simple combination that creates a lot of visual impact with very few supplies. I used the products by Pinkfresh Studio. 

All the supplies I used are in the description box below and I really appreciate you using my affiliate links. Thank you so much

I painted loose watercolor panels first, then layered white geometric cover plates on top for a clean, modern look. By changing just the colors and layout, you can get completely different results, from bold and dramatic to soft and cheerful. These designs are perfect when you want something striking but still quick to make.

Card 1: Galaxy Mosaic Birthday (Diagonal Design)

This first card has a bold, dramatic watercolor look with a diagonal mosaic pattern and a clean white center. I love the mysterious galaxies so simply went for it.

Step-by-Step

• Create the watercolor background. On watercolor paper, paint a loose “galaxy wash” using deep shades (blue, pink, yellow a little black).
• Let it blend naturally and dry completely.
• Add shimmer spray.
• Flick watered-down white paint or white watercolor over the panel for a starry effect. and let it dry.

• Die-cut the cover plate (Modern Mosaic) from white cardstock. I love the details and clean cut. 
• Adhere to the galaxy background.
• Cut diagonal pieces
• Assemble the card
• Stamp and die-cut your sentiment (I used a birthday greeting) from the On My Mind stamps and dies. offset with navy glitter card.

• Pop it up with foam tape in the center strip.
• To finish, add a few glitter ombre drops in Enchanted Forest, near the sentiment for balance.

Quick Tip: If your watercolor is very dark, use slightly more white splatter—it helps the background feel “alive” and not flat.

Card 2: Pastel Mosaic + Diamond Sentiment 

This second card is softer and brighter, using pastel watercolor blocks under the cover plate, plus a vellum diamond for the greeting.

Step-by-Step

• Create a pastel watercolor panel by painting a simple wash in sections using light shades (aqua, turquoise, lavender).
• Keep it soft. Let dry completely.
• Die-cut a white panel using the Modern Mosaic coverplate die.
• I left the centre square pieces inside.

• Cut the watercolor panel with Diamond Delight coverplate. This gives a beautiful detailed look.
• Layer the white panel over the watercolor cut panel.
• Adhere the watercolor panel to a silver glitter cardstock and then adhere this whole panel to a white card base.
• This adds shine without clutter.
• Die-cut a vellum diamond using the Nested Squares Diagonal stitched die.
• Stamp and die-cut the sentiment from the Heartfelt Wishes stamp and dies, offset with silver glitter card, then adhere it to the vellum.

• Adhere the vellum diamond with foam tape in the centre.
• To finish, add a few iridescent droplets around the sentiment.

If you try either version, I’d love to know: Do you prefer the bold galaxy look or the soft pastel one? Thank you for dropping by and have a nice day!

Pinkfresh Studio “Artful Foundations” Release Blog Hop

Hello crafty friends!! I am so excited to join Pinkfresh Studio "Artful Foundations" bloghop. This release is versatile as always and I love it.

For my three projects, I couldn’t resist playing with the Petal Pop stencil set and Heartfelt Chapters sentiment stamp and dies.

What I love abot the stencil set is that it comes with a background stencil too. I also want to share how this stencil can be combined with the previously released products to create beautiful, colorful cards using soft or bold colors of your liking :)

All the products are linked below and if you want me to create a video for any of the cards, do let me know.

Card 1– Soft & Cheerful

This card features a light, airy floral background created with soft ink blending for a fresh and happy feel. I used the embroidery hoop to ground the sentiment. The gentle color transitions add movement without overwhelming the design, making this card perfect for everyday encouragement or happy mail.

The tiny butterflies to add focus on the sentiment are from the Nature's Narrative dies.

Card 2 - Bright & Uplifting

The 2nd card combines a vibrant floral backdrop with a clean, stitched frame for a polished finish.

I love how the layered sentiment using glitter cardstock stands out while still allowing the background to shine.

A rectangular stitched frame, few small embellishments using butterflies, add texture and dimension, creating a balanced design that feels uplifting and versatile.

Card 3 - Bold & Joyful Gatefold Shaker Card

For the 3rd card, I leaned into brighter, more saturated rainbow colors against a dark background to really let the florals pop. The contrast adds drama while still feeling playful.

This is a gatefold card with the shaker circular window

A bold circular shaker frame highlights the sentiment, and a touch of sparkle brings in a bit of celebration—ideal for birthdays or special milestones.

Just using various color combinations, sets a different look and mood for the card, right?

Giveaway

Pinkfresh Studio will be giving away the full release on the Pinkfresh blog & YouTube channel.

As well as a total of TEN $50 gift cards along the hop. As usual the winners will be selected from the comments.

Pinkfresh Studio will pull the winners & post them on January 15, 2026, on their GIVEAWAY PAGE.

Don't forget to check that page & claim your prize within 2 weeks.

Here is the link to complete HOP list

CLICK TO ENTER HERE

Thank you so much for dropping by and have a wonderful weekend!

Pinkfresh Studio Year in Review Instagram Hop

Welcome to the Pinkfresh Studio Year in Review Instagram Hop. I’m sharing three of my cards from this year that really represent my style and the techniques I enjoyed using most.

They represent different styles: seasonal, soft floral, and clean modern There is also one card which is my own illustration...YAY!!

A mix of techniques: shaker, stenciling, stamping, embossing, die cutting, masking and mixed media

Each card suits a different occasion, showing how flexible the products are

Thanks for hopping along! Be sure to check out the next stop in the hop and see more Year in Review favorites from the Pinkfresh Studio design community.

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Video on Pinkfresh Studio YouTube Channel HERE

Thank you for dropping by. For giveaway, go to my Instagram: @ishaguptadesigns

To shop for the products visit Pinkfresh Studio and make use of the wonderful discounts.

For a limited time, enjoy 15% off storewide, and for all clearance items an extra 30% off! No codes needed—everything is already marked. Whether you’re picking up favorites, treating yourself to something new, or snagging a great deal from clearance, now is the perfect time to shop.

• Cardmaking with a Glow + Altenew Giveaway

Hello everyone!

I’m excited to share a card today featuring Altenew’s products

There’s something so comforting about cards that include light—lanterns, candles, and soft glows, which always feel warm and meaningful. Today I’m sharing this delicate lantern card,, along with a small giveaway to celebrate!

For this card, I used the Decorative Lantern Layering Die Set as the focal point. I love how the layered pieces add instant dimension, especially when paired with soft ink blending and nature-inspired details. The leafy branch frames the lantern beautifully and helps draw the eye toward the center of the card. The new Petal shaper tool helps shape the petals with ease.

The lantern was die-cut from cardstock and softly ink-blended to give it depth while keeping the look light and airy. I added a subtle glow behind it using pale watercolor wash and a few ink splatters for texture. The layered leaves and tiny flowers bring in a gentle pop of color without overpowering the design.

A simple sentiment finished the card—perfect for sending encouragement, love, or just a thoughtful note.

Full Supply list is listed below

To celebrate today, get a chance to win a $20 gift card to Altenew on my Instagram Account! Just follow these easy steps for a chance to win:

1. FOLLOW @ishaguptadesigns and @altenewllc

2. LIKE the post on Instagram

3. COMMENT on the post on Instagram

Winners will be announced on this post on 22nd December 2025

Thank you for dropping by and have a wonderful day!

Pinkfresh Studio - Three Cards with Few Watercolor Techniques, One Stamp + Video

Hello friends! Today I’m sharing a set of three cards created using the Pinkfresh Studio liquid watercolors and the gorgeous Petal Poise stamp & die set. If you already own the liquid watercolors, this is a great way to explore what they can really do — from soft pastels to rich jewel tones and embossed watercolor effects.

I’m also using the Pinkfresh watercolor paper, which is beautifully thick and stays almost completely flat even when wet. It’s perfect for today’s techniques.

I have listed the supplies in the description box below. I am using the affiliate link with no extra cos to you but that helps me run everything smoothly :) Thank you.

Card 1 – Birthday Card with Deep Jewel tone Background

 Technique: Watercolor Wash + Color Lifting

I began by heat embossing the floral clusters using white embossing powder. After creating a deep watercolor wash with Candy Apple, Lavender and Cotton Candy, I used clean water to gently lift color from the embossed images.

This creates a soft bleached look that works beautifully with pastel backgrounds. It’s a simple and forgiving technique — great for beginners.

 Card 2 – Winter Wreath with Die-Cut Trees

 Technique: Controlled Watercolor + Layering

For the second panel, I shifted to soft wash of watercolor. I added layers of Candy Apple, Lavender, and Sky/Ocean Blue watercolors, keeping two brushes handy: one for pigment and one for clean water.

This technique allows you to build dimension slowly and create vivid blends with soft transitions.

 Card 3 – Holiday Card with Partial die-cutting

 Technique: Gold Embossing + Intense Color

The third panel features the same Petal Poise image, but heat-embossed in gold and colored with richer tones — including Mulberry and deeper red shades.

Gold embossing pairs beautifully with watercolor blooms and adds an instant festive touch.

Using the partially die-cut piece, I created a holiday-inspired design.

The sentiment (from Once Upon a Holiday) is layered over a red glitter oval.

A touch of Candy Apple ink brightens the edges, and Ombre Glitter Drops finish the card with sparkle.

Final Thoughts

These three cards show how much variety you can get using the same stamp set and the same set of liquid watercolors. Whether you like soft washes, bold jewel tones, or embossed outlines, watercolors offer endless flexibility.

If you’d like me to demonstrate any of these techniques in more detail, please leave a comment — I’d love to hear your ideas!

Check out the VIDEO HERE at the Pinkfresh YouTube Channel

Supplies are listed below. Thanks so much for stopping by.

Happy crafting!