Every Little Bit - Gumball

While exploring my collection of stamp sets, I rediscovered some of my all-time favourites — despite them being retired. It’s funny how certain sets hold a special place in our crafting hearts, and I believe many of you also have those hidden gems sitting on your shelves, waiting for the perfect project to bring them back to life. 

Today, I’ve decided to feature one such set: the 'Every Little Bit' collection, which includes 28 adorable mini stamps. For this card, I chose the fun and nostalgic gumball machine image. Its charming design lends itself perfectly to bright, playful colouring.

I started with a Basic Black card base to give the design a bold foundation. To add visual interest, I layered a square of Basic White card on top of a square of patterned paper in cheerful red tones. The gumball machine was stamped, then mounted on Dimensionals to give it a little extra lift and dimension. I fussy cut the image, then coloured the gumballs in a rainbow of vibrant colours, making the design lively and eye-catching.

To complete the card, I embossed a simple message in white directly onto the card base, keeping the overall look clean and crisp, while allowing the colourful gumball machine to be the star. 

This project is a perfect reminder that even retired stamp sets can be rediscovered and transformed into charming, fun cards. Sometimes, all it takes is a little creativity and a splash of colour to breathe new life into those treasured sets.

Snapshot

Another fantastic retired stamp set that I love is 'Snapshot'. This single, detailed camera image offers a wealth of creative possibilities. Its intricate design provides plenty of opportunity for colouring, highlighting, and adding dimension, making it a versatile focal point for many projects.

For this particular card, I decided to take a bold, art deco-inspired approach with vibrant colours. I coloured the camera in various shades of pink, creating a striking and modern look. To add contrast and interest, I highlighted the lens outline with coordinating aqua tones, which beautifully complement the double-sided patterned paper and the card base.

The detailed design of the camera allows for creative experimentation—whether you prefer bold, bright colours, or softer, more subtle shades. I love how the intricate details can be accentuated with different colouring techniques, such as blending, shading, or highlighting, to really make the image pop.

This card showcases how a single, detailed stamp can be the centerpiece of a stylish and eye-catching design. Even though the 'Snapshot' set is retired, it remains a wonderful choice for adding a touch of vintage charm and artistic flair to your craft projects.

Every Little Bit

The retired stamp set 'Every Little Bit' is a versatile collection featuring 28 adorable mini stamps and images. It’s perfect for adding charming details and backgrounds to your projects. For this card, I decided to highlight the cute little dog from the set to create a playful and cohesive design.

To start, I stamped numerous images of the dog onto my cardstock using a neutral ink. I arranged and stamped them in a way that mimicked the look of double-sided patterned paper, creating a lively background. I chose to leave these stamped images uncoloured, giving the background a subtle, monochromatic effect that allows the focal point to really stand out.

Next, I stamped an additional image of the dog on a separate piece of cardstock. I then coloured this cut-out dog with contrasting colours, selecting a lovely grey shade that coordinates perfectly with the card base. The coloured dog was then carefully fussy cut and adhered to the background with foam Dimensionals, adding dimension and making it pop against the stamped background.

To finish the card, I chose a simple yet elegant greeting. I embossed it in white on a piece of coordinating grey cardstock, creating a crisp, textured look. The embossed sentiment was then mounted onto the card to add a polished finishing touch without overwhelming the overall design.

This card exemplifies how a few well-chosen techniques—like creating a stamped background, fussy cutting, and embossing—can come together to produce a clean, effective, and charming finished piece. It’s a perfect example of how minimal effort can still yield a stunning result, making it ideal for quick cards or as a starting point for more elaborate designs.

More - You're Sublime

Another delightful way to use the 'You're Sublime' stamp set is by featuring the playful frog. This image is perfect for spring, summer, or any fun, nature-inspired project. Here’s how I created a cheerful, vibrant card with the frog as the star.

I began by stamping the frog image onto smooth white cardstock. To give the frog a lively and dimensional look, I coloured it using a combination of markers. After colouring, I carefully fussy cut around the frog, making sure to leave a small white border for a polished finish.

To add depth and make the frog pop off the card, I mounted it on foam Dimensionals. This slight lift creates a layered effect that draws the eye to the adorable frog.

For the background, I selected a piece of coloured glimmer paper which coordinates with the card base. These colours complement the vibrant colours of the frog. 

A key detail was incorporating some additional bling embellishments in the same colour as the frog. These little touches add to the playful feel of the card.

Finally, I chose to include a simple, subtle sentiment cut out in a small, neat font. I placed the message discreetly so it complements the scene without overwhelming it, keeping the focus on the cute frog.

This card is a wonderful example of how versatile the 'You're Sublime' set can be. Whether you're making a cheerful card for a friend or a fun note for a loved one, the frog image is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Plus, it’s a fantastic project for experimenting with colouring techniques.

Valentine Kisses as a Christmas Card

When it comes to making Christmas cards, I love thinking outside the box and using stamp sets that aren’t specifically designed for the holiday season. This year, for my Stampin’ Up! team cards, I chose the Valentine Kisses stamp set. Despite its original purpose, I was able to creatively incorporate several Christmas elements into my design, making it perfect for the festive season.

I started with a classic Real Red card base to set a cheerful, holiday tone. The star of the card is a cute bear clutching a Christmas stocking — a fun and whimsical image that I thought would work wonderfully for a Christmas card. To add some extra festive flair, I used candy-striped twine and embellishments, which evoke the traditional holiday candy canes and sweet treats.

Finally, I added a warm Christmas greeting to complete the look. By combining these elements, I transformed a Valentine-themed stamp set into a delightful and unique holiday card, proving that with a little creativity, you can make almost any stamp set work for Christmas projects.

This approach not only helps maximise your stamp collection but also encourages creative thinking and resourcefulness during the holiday crafting season. Sometimes, the most unexpected stamp sets can turn into your favourite Christmas designs.

You're Sublime

This stamp set is truly an oldie but a goody! The 'You're Sublime' collection features five images: a submarine, a caravan, a crab, a frog, and a barrow of flowers. Making it a versatile set that can be used for a variety of creative projects, from playful cards to scrapbook pages.

For this particular card, I’ve chosen to feature the submarine. I started by carefully fussy cutting around the image to give it a clean, crisp edge. To add dimension and make the submarine stand out, I mounted it on foam Dimensionals, giving it a slight lift off the card surface. This simple technique helps to bring the image to life.

To create a sense of underwater movement and environment, I added a few playful details. I included some air bubbles around the submarine and incorporated a few brightly coloured fish swimming nearby.

For the background, I selected a patterned double-sided paper that complements the deep sea underwater theme. The patterned paper adds texture and visual interest without overpowering the main image. I coordinated the colours with my card base to maintain a harmonious look.

Finally, I added a small, cut-out message to the card. Keeping the message subtle ensures that it doesn’t compete with the main design, but rather enhances the overall aesthetic. It’s the perfect finishing touch that makes the card feel complete and thoughtful.

Long Time No See

This adorable little dachshund in his charming striped jumper truly is the epitome of cuteness! I came across a card design on Pinterest that I simply had to CASE (Copy And Share Everything) and put my own spin on. The combination of adorable imagery and creative techniques makes this a card I’ll be proud to send to someone.

One of my favourite aspects of this design is the colour scheme. I chose a vibrant blend of pink and red as the base colours for the card, and I must say, it’s one of my all-time favourite colour combinations. 

For the background, I used the Corrugated embossing folder on crisp white cardstock, giving the card texture and visual interest. 

The little dog himself was coloured with a variety of tones, using Stampin’ Up Blend markers. I enjoyed blending different shades to bring out the depth and personality of the dachshund’s fur and jumper, making him really pop against the textured background.

To add dimension and emphasis, I adhered the dachshund image on Dimensional tape. This creates a lovely raised effect that makes the image stand out even more and adds depth to the overall design.

I also deliberately left the card without a sentiment. This was a conscious choice to make the card more versatile, so I can use it for a variety of occasions - whether for a birthday, a thank you, or just a cheerful note. Keeping the design sentiment free broadens its usability and makes it a handy card to have in my stash.

I look forward to making more playful designs with this cute dachshund stamp set—stay tuned for more cuteness overload!

Party Piggy

While searching for fresh card ideas, I came across a beautiful design that closely resembled this one, and I simply had to CASE (Copy And Share Everything) it! I have to say, I absolutely adore the Party Piggy stamp set—the pigs are irresistibly cute and full of personality, making them perfect for a variety of fun.

For this particular card, I decided to get creative by transforming the pig into a cheerful hula piggy, ready to relax on a tropical beach. I gave her a 'coconut' bikini top, which I crafted using a die-cut piece from the new Gingerbread Man die set. The combination of these elements adds a playful, summery vibe that instantly transports you to a sunny vacation.

To create the beach scene, I tore pieces of cardstock randomly to mimic the shoreline of a sandy beach and the rolling waves of the ocean. This torn effect adds texture and a natural, organic feel to the scene, making it more lively and realistic. I also added shading to the edges of the pig using inks, which provides a lovely depth of colour and helps her stand out beautifully against the background.

This card is a perfect example of how a little bit of imagination, combined with some clever techniques, can turn a simple design into a fun, tropical scene.

Valentine Kisses

For my recent craft retreat in Maldon, I decided to create a special shoebox swap using the Valentine Kisses stamp set. This set has quickly become one of my favourites, especially because of the adorable bear images that are part of the collection. I love how versatile these bears are—they can be used for both heartfelt Valentine’s cards and other sweet occasions. I already have a long list of additional card ideas that I want to explore using this set.

For this particular card, I chose to work with Strawberry Slush coloured card stock. I complemented this with coordinating ribbon, some sparkling bling to add a touch of elegance, and coordinating inks to bring the design to life. One of my favourite techniques was incorporating the returning vellum paper to create a decorative circle base behind the main frame and image. The vellum adds a soft, dreamy layer that enhances the overall look without overpowering the design.

Creating this card was inspiring, as it sparked even more ideas for future projects. The Valentine Kisses stamp set offers endless possibilities for crafting cards, and I look forward to sharing more of my creations using this adorable set. 

Birthday Cake

There’s something extra special about celebrating a birthday while surrounded by creativity, laughter, and good company. Having a birthday during a craft retreat calls for a cake that’s just as unique and heartfelt as the occasion itself!

Julie took that idea to the next level — she made her own birthday cake! It was the perfect blend of sweetness and creativity, a true reflection of her personality. The cake looked absolutely adorable (and tasted just as good, of course). Watching her proudly present it to the group was such a lovely moment — proof that crafting isn’t just about paper, fabric, or glue, but about joy, connection, and celebrating life’s little moments together.

Here’s to Julie — and to all the makers who find ways to add a personal, handmade touch to every celebration!

Psssst—I’ve Got Some Big News!

Have you ever found yourself staring at multiple stamp sets and stamp tools unable to decide which one to get? Well, I’ve got great news for you! On 18 September, you can get all the stamps and stamp tools you’ve been wanting at an amazing 15% discount. Act fast—this stamp-tacular sale only lasts for 24 hours!

• This stamp sale only happens once a year!
• The sale will run for 24 hours.
• The 15% discount will apply to all stamps and stamp tools.
• Bundles are not included in this sale.
• Stamp sets and tools are only available while supplies last.
• See and shop all qualifying products in the online store. Remember to add you are shopping with Nicole Goding.
• Excludes Last Chance products.

Sweet Jar Bundle

Repetitive stamping on a card front is such a captivating technique—it's both quick and easy to do, yet the results are incredibly striking and effective. There's something truly satisfying about building texture and depth through simple repeated patterns, making your card stand out with minimal effort.

For this particular project, I used the Sweet Jar Bundle stamp set. To add a bit of dimension and interest, I stamped each jar and lid separately, then carefully punched them out before assembling. This layering approach gives the card front a lovely sense of depth and realism, elevating the overall design.

Feel free to experiment with different colour combinations—there are so many options that can suit any occasion. In this example, I used the hearts stamp inside the jars, stamping some directly for a solid look and others stamped off to achieve a softer, lighter hue. This technique adds variety and a touch of charm to the design.

The silvery thread you see is borrowed from another ribbon; I simply pulled out a small piece from the roll rather than using the entire width. It’s a simple way to add a subtle shimmer and texture without waste. 

Finally, I stamped the message onto a leftover piece of card that I had punched out to create the jar lid—nothing goes to waste here! This little detail not only adds a personal touch but also showcases how even scraps can be repurposed creatively. Overall, this card design is a perfect example of how thoughtful layering and clever use of materials can produce a beautiful, eye-catching project with a touch of elegance.

 

Darling Dinos

This adorable little dinosaur comes from the charming Darling Dinos stamp set, a collection that is perfect for adding a touch of fun and whimsy to your crafting projects. 

The set features three uniquely charming dinosaurs, each with their own personality and style, making it easy to create playful scenes or personalised cards. In addition to the dinosaurs themselves, the set includes a variety of adorable accessory stamps—such as tiny footprints, playful leaves, and fun accessories—that can be mixed and matched to customise your designs. To top it off, there are also several cheerful messages and sentiments included, making this set versatile for birthdays, get well wishes, or just sending a happy note to someone special. 

The Darling Dinos stamp set offers endless creative possibilities for adding a splash of prehistoric fun to your projects!

 

Fluffiest Friends

This adorable stamp set has now been officially retired, but I just couldn’t resist sharing this charming design featuring the fluffy cat from the beloved Fluffiest Friends stamp set. Isn’t this little feline just the cutest? With its soft, fluffy fur and expressive face, it’s a stamp image that truly captures the heart.

In this particular card, I aimed for a mostly monochromatic palette, using various shades of grey to bring out the adorable fluffiness of the cat. The subtle gradations of grey add depth and dimension, making the image come alive on the paper. To add a touch of vibrant contrast, I highlighted the terracotta-coloured pot and the flower, allowing these pops of colour to stand out beautifully against the softer background. It’s a simple yet striking technique that draws the eye exactly where I want it.

For colouring, I used the Stampin’ Blends – my go-to tools for achieving rich, smooth, and nuanced colour variations. The blends allowed me to create multiple depths and shades within the fur, giving the cat a realistic, plush appearance. I loved how easily I could add shadows and highlights, making the fluffy texture really pop. The careful blending and layering of colours helped convey that proud, slightly mischievous expression on the cat’s face, as if it knows it’s just adorable.

Although this stamp set is no longer available, the Fluffiest Friends images continue to inspire creative projects. Whether you’re a seasoned stamper or just starting out, using monochromatic tones with pops of colour can really elevate your designs. Plus, with the versatility of Stampin’ Blends, you can customise your images to match any mood or theme.

Peaceful View

Today, I’m excited to share a wonderful technique using the beautiful Peaceful View background stamp, a large and versatile cling-style stamp. One of the standout features of this stamp is its cling backing, which allows you to see through the stamp itself. This transparency makes it incredibly easy to position the image precisely on your project, ensuring perfect placement every time.

For this project, I chose to pair the Peaceful View stamp with a piece of Blended Autumn patterned paper. The warm, earthy tones and subtle gradients in the paper create a stunning backdrop that complements the scenic design of the stamp. The combination of these elements results in a picturesque landscape that evokes the tranquillity of a peaceful autumn scene.

To create my card, I first carefully aligned and stamped the Peaceful View image in Black Memento ink. The rich black ink provides a crisp, defined outline that enhances the intricate details of the scene. After stamping, I mounted the image onto coordinating coloured cardstock, which frames the scene beautifully and adds a touch of elegance to the overall design.

In this particular card, I decided that no sentiment was necessary. I want the scenic image to be the hero of the card, allowing the viewer to appreciate the peacefulness and beauty of the scene without distraction. Sometimes, letting the artwork speak for itself creates the most impactful and heartfelt cards.

 

You're Sublime

This stamp set is truly a classic—an oldie but definitely a goodie! I absolutely adore the crab from the You're Sublime stamp set. There’s something so charming about this cute crustacean, especially when paired with the playful 'Have a Snappy Day' message. It’s the perfect combination for a fun, light-hearted card that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. 

One of the reasons I love this design is the bold colour palette I chose — combining vibrant pink with lively orange. While these colours might seem like a daring clash at first, they actually work beautifully together, creating a lively contrast that makes the crab really stand out. The bright, cheerful hues add a burst of energy to the card, making it eye-catching and fun.

To enhance the overall look, I added some coordinating double-sided patterned paper, which provides a subtle background while tying the whole design together. A touch of coloured bling was also included to give the card a bit of sparkle and dimension — because who doesn’t love a little shimmer? These embellishments help the featured crab pop off the page, making the entire design more dynamic and engaging.

Whether you’re creating a cheerful greeting for a friend or just want to add some playful flair to your crafting, this card showcases how a few simple elements — fun stamps, bold colours, and thoughtful embellishments — can come together to create something truly special. I encourage you to dig out your old favourites and experiment with colour combinations — you might be surprised at how well they still work!

Framed Scenes

Capture the serene beauty of life in the woods with the versatile Framed Scenes Stamp Set. This charming collection features five beautifully detailed, colourable scenes — including a cozy cottage, a majestic lighthouse, a whimsical treehouse, and more — each designed to evoke a peaceful, woodland atmosphere. Whether you choose to make these scenes the focal point of your card or use them as complementary accents in your scrapbooking layouts, they’re perfect for adding a touch of tranquility and charm to any project. 
The line art in this set is ideal for showcasing your favourite colouring techniques, whether you prefer markers, watercolour, coloured pencils, or blending with ink. The possibilities are endless for creating personalised, vibrant scenes that reflect your style and mood.
For my project, I chose the lighthouse stamp from the Framed Scenes set to craft a minimalistic yet striking card front. I coloured the lighthouse using Stampin’ Blends, which allowed me to achieve smooth shading and a professional finish. To add depth and dimension, I paired the coloured image with a few embossed layers of cardstock, creating subtle texture that makes the lighthouse stand out even more. The combination of clean, simple imagery with textured backgrounds results in an elegant, eye-catching design that’s perfect for any occasion.
This set offers an inspiring way to bring the tranquility of the woods into your crafting, whether through detailed colouring or simple, understated designs. I encourage you to explore the Framed Scenes Stamp Set and discover how it can help you create peaceful, beautiful projects that truly resonate. 

Silly Safari

The Stampin' Up! catalogue is a treasure trove of creativity, filled with inspiring ideas, beautiful samples, and innovative techniques that can elevate any crafting project. One of my favourite aspects of the catalogue is how it serves as a wonderful source of inspiration—allowing crafters like myself to CASE (Copy And Share Everything) designs to create something uniquely our own. Today, I’d like to share a card I’ve cased from the current catalogue, showcasing both the versatility and charm of Stampin’ Up!’s products.

This particular card features the Silly Safari stamp set, which includes 16 charming photopolymer stamps. The set offers a variety of adorable safari animals, including giraffes, monkeys, rhinos, zebras, and leopards. The versatility of this stamp set means you can customise your card to suit any occasion by swapping out sentiments and adjusting the layout, easily transforming this design to fit your specific needs.

The fun part about working with the Silly Safari set is how easy it is to create lively, playful scenes that bring a touch of the wild to your handmade cards. The photopolymer stamps make it simple to achieve precise, clean images, and layering different animals or adding colourful backgrounds can really make your design pop. Whether you prefer a more minimalist look or a vibrant, busy scene, this set offers endless possibilities.

Inspiration from the Stampin’ Up! catalogue not only sparks your creativity but also helps you learn new techniques—like watercoloring, masking, or layering—that you can incorporate into your projects. So, I encourage you to explore the catalogue, let it inspire your next creation, and put your own spin on it. Happy stamping!

Feathered Fun - Lovebirds

I'm excited to share with you another stunning creation featuring the newest Stampin' Up! Feathered Fun stamp set. This time, I’ve focused on an adorable pair of lovebirds, perfect for celebrating love, friendship, or just sending a cheerful note to someone special.

To bring these charming birds to life, I stamped the image in rich Black Memento Ink, ensuring crisp, clean lines that would stand out beautifully. I then used the versatile Stampin' Blends to add vibrant, nuanced colour to the lovebirds. The blending process allowed me to create depth and dimension, making the birds appear lively and full of personality. For a refined and detailed finish, I carefully fussy cut around the image, ensuring a fine, precise outline that enhances the overall elegance of the card. To add some dimension and make the focal point pop, I mounted the cut-out onto the card front using Stampin’ Dimensionals, giving it a slight lift and visual interest.

The card itself features a clean, crisp base of Basic White, providing a perfect canvas for the design. To add a touch of softness and warmth, I lightly shaded the background with a delicate hint of pink. This subtle colouring creates a gentle, romantic ambiance that complements the lovebird motif beautifully. The sentiment was stamped directly onto the card base, keeping the design simple yet impactful, allowing the adorable birds and the heartfelt message to truly shine.

To finish off this lovely card, I added some coordinating bling. These finishing touches elevate the overall look, making the card feel polished and complete.

This project is a wonderful example of how the Feathered Fun stamp set can be used to create charming and heartfelt designs. Whether you're making a card for a loved one, a friend, or simply want to add a touch of whimsy to your craft collection, these lovebirds are sure to bring a smile. I hope this inspires you to get creative and try your own variations with this versatile set!

Resourceful Rusty

Resourceful Rusty is such a cheeky little character from this adorable stamp set, and in this card, he looks like he’s always on the hunt for some juicy red apples!

I didn’t have any patterned or coloured paper that suited the look I wanted, so I decided to create my own background. Using the edge of my acrylic block, I stamped a pattern in my selected ink colour onto Basic White cardstock, giving it a subtle and unique texture. This was then layered onto a coordinating card base for a soft, natural feel.

The bright Real Red apples really pop against the neutral tones, making them the star of the card front.