I’m a papercrafter who loves making handmade cards, boxes, albums, and more. I won Cardmaker of the Year 2023 and now design for Practical Publishing, with my work featured in top UK magazines. I’m also on the WOW! Embossing Powder Design Team. I share tutorials and inspiration on YouTube and love collaborating with fellow crafters. Thanks for visiting my blog!
Recreate
the magic of the Northern Lights on your cards! Follow along with my
video tutorial and learn how to use heat emboss resist and ink blending
to make the lights dance across a starry night sky.
There’s
something truly magical about the Northern Lights, and I wanted to
capture that beauty in a handmade card. In this post, I’m sharing the
Northern Lights scene card I recreated from Creative Stamping Issue 152.
To really bring this design to life, I’ve also filmed a step-by-step
video tutorial where I show you exactly how to use the heat emboss
resist technique with WOW! Clear Gloss embossing powder, along with soft
ink blending, to create a glowing night sky.
I’m joining in a fun Autumn Fest Halloween collaboration with a group of talented crafters! For my make, I created this adorable Halloween treat box — perfect for sweets, small gifts, or party favours.
It’s time for some spooky crafting fun! š» I’m thrilled to be part of the Autumn Fest Halloween collaboration, where several crafters are sharing their unique seasonal projects. My contribution is a handmade Halloween treat box, blending cosy autumn vibes with a touch of Halloween magic.
This little box is ideal for gifting sweets or small surprises, and it’s surprisingly easy to make using just a few basic supplies. I added warm autumn colours, fun patterned papers, and cute embellishments to tie it all together.
You can catch the full process — from cutting to decorating — on my YouTube video, where I walk through each step and share some handy tips for finishing touches.
I love adding texture and shine to my festive makes, and this Christmas card is a perfect example of how mixed media techniques can take your papercrafting to the next level. The combination of rich embossing powders, shimmering glitter, and layered poinsettias creates an elegant card that really stands out.
For this design, I used elegant Poinsettia dies by Chloe’s Creative Cards, paired with the WOW! Mixed Media Duo – Million Dollar Vegas Gold embossing powder and Silver Glass MMA to build texture and sparkle. With added glitter accents and other embossing products, the finished look is full of festive charm and elegance.
If you’d like to see exactly how I created this card step by step, I’ve filmed a YouTube tutorial where I walk you through the process, sharing all the embossing techniques and tips I used. You can watch the full video here:
A
cozy autumnal gift box created for #Autumnfest2025 featuring fun and sweet stamped images from
Creative Stamping 150 by Made to Surprise! I paired it with the matching
card I recently shared for #ffcchallenge2023.
Celebrate
the season with this charming autumn-themed gift box, decorated with
fun and sweet stamped images from Creative Stamping 150 by Made to
Surprise. It perfectly complements the matching card I created for
#ffcchallenge2023.
I’ve also created a step-by-step video tutorial so
you can easily recreate this set at home and add a personal, handmade
touch to your autumn gifting.
Autumn-inspired heat embossed flowers, made using a mix of embossing techniques to add colour, texture, and sparkle. Watch the full tutorial on my YouTube channel to see how I created them step by step.
For this project, I wanted to highlight the versatility of heat embossing by exploring a variety of techniques within a single design. These autumn flowers were crafted using multiple embossing approaches to layer colour, add depth, and introduce contrasting finishes. The interplay of shine, texture, and warm seasonal tones results in a striking autumnal effect that feels both elegant and tactile.
To see the full creative process, I have shared a step-by-step tutorial on my YouTube channel, where I demonstrate how each embossing technique contributes to the overall look of the flowers.
This large circle wreath card is filled with
layers of gold and white heat embossing for a luxurious Christmas look.
Perfect for when you want a handmade card with plenty of sparkle and
elegance.
This
Christmas wreath card is all about heat embossing - one of my absolute
favourite techniques.
I created a large circular card base and built up
the wreath design with embossed layers in shiny gold and crisp
white powders. The result is a festive showstopper, full of texture,
sparkle, and dimension. I love how the embossing adds elegance while still
keeping the handmade warmth that makes Christmas cards so special. This
project is a wonderful way to combine traditional holiday elements with
techniques that really make the details pop.
If
you’d like to see the full process, I’ve shared a step-by-step tutorial
on my YouTube channel where I walk through how to create this card from
start to finish.
I’m so excited to share my project for the AutumnFest 2025 Collab! I created a pumpkin-shaped card decorated with rich autumn tones,
handmade florals, and embossed details. It’s the perfect way to
celebrate the season. You can catch the full tutorial over on my YouTube
channel — I’d love for you to check it out!
Welcome to AutumnFest 2025!
I’m thrilled to be part of this creative collaboration celebrating the
beauty of fall. For my first project, I decided to make a pumpkin-shaped card —
a fun seasonal design that really captures the warmth and coziness of
autumn.
The base of the card is layered in shades of orange and golden yellow,
while the focal panel is stamped with autumn leaves and cinnamon sticks
for that festive, seasonal feel. To finish, I added handmade dimensional
flowers with embossed petals that shimmer beautifully in the light,
along with leafy details for extra texture.
New flower style, easy steps—watch the tutorial below.
I love how this card combines the rustic charm of fall with a touch of
sparkle, making it perfect for sending autumn greetings or even as a
decorative keepsake.
You can find the full tutorial on my YouTube channel 'Create with
Katarina' — I hope you’ll stop by, watch the video, and see all the other
wonderful projects in this collab too!
For
the #FFCChallenge2023, I created a Triple Panel Box Pop-Up Card using
the gorgeous stamp set from Creative Stamping Issue 150. This design combines autumn-themed images with birthday treats, making
it perfect for celebrating at this cosy time of year. Watch my
step-by-step tutorial on YouTube to see how it all came together!
Here’s
my project for the #FFCChallenge2023 — a Triple Panel Box Pop-Up Card
featuring the fabulous stamp set from Creative Stamping Issue 150.
I wanted this design to capture both the warmth of autumn and the joy of
a birthday celebration. Each panel is decorated with a mix of stamped
and coloured images — from cakes and cupcakes to pumpkins, berries, and
fall leaves. The bright colours pop beautifully against the autumnal
background papers, while the dimensional box style gives the card an
impressive 3D effect when opened.
The
Birthday Wishes sentiment takes centre stage across the middle panel,
tying everything together into a cheerful, seasonal design. This style
of card is such a fun way to surprise the recipient, as it folds flat
for posting but pops up to create a real “wow” moment when opened.
Want to see how I made it?
You can follow along with my full step-by-step video tutorial on
YouTube, where I show exactly how to assemble this box card and decorate
it with the Creative Stamping 150 stamps.
I
made these fun apple-themed treat bags, perfect for back-to-school
gifts or little autumn surprises. They’re simple, sweet, and a great way
to package small goodies!
This
project is part of a YouTube hop, where several talented creators are
sharing their own inspiring back-to-school themed crafts. You’ll find
all the details and participant links in my video description, so be
sure to hop along and discover even more creative ideas!
These
apple treat bags are such a cheerful project – ideal for
back-to-school, teacher gifts, or even autumn parties. I love how they
can be filled with little surprises, making them both decorative and
practical.
They’re a wonderful seasonal make, and the apple shape adds a playful
twist to a classic gift bag. You can decorate them in different colours,
personalise them with tags, or even adapt them for other occasions.
If you’d like to try them yourself, I’ve created a downloadable template
so you can follow along easily.
I
created this fun shaker card for a monthly sketch challenge using
Studio Light products. It’s always inspiring to see how a simple sketch
can spark new ideas!
This
sketch challenge is part of a collaboration, and it’s been wonderful to
join in with other talented creators. You’ll find more information
about all the participants in my video description, so you can check out
their inspiring makes as well.
For
this month’s sketch challenge, I decided to add a playful twist by
turning my design into a shaker card. Sketches are a fantastic way to
get the creativity flowing, and I love how they guide the layout while
still leaving plenty of room for personal touches.
I reached for some of my favourite Studio Light products, which worked
beautifully for this project. The shaker element adds a layer of
movement and fun, making the design extra special while still following
the clean lines of the sketch. These kinds of challenges are perfect for
pushing me to think outside the box and try different approaches to
cardmaking.
If you’d like to see this card come together, be sure to check out my
video tutorial where I share the process step by step.
For
Day 8 of the Flower Craft Festival, I decided to make something a
little different – sparkly handmade bookmarks! These are such a fun
project if you love papercrafting but want to create something practical
as well as pretty. They make lovely little gifts, are perfect for
tucking into a card, and of course add a touch of handmade magic to your
favourite book.
The
bases of my bookmarks were die cut into long panels, and then I
decorated them using one of my favourite sparkle techniques:
double-sided tape with glitter. By applying the tape and
sprinkling loose glitter over the top, I created bold, sparkly accents
that catch the light beautifully. It’s such an easy way to add sparkle
without needing glitter cardstock.
I kept the designs simple so the glitter could shine, adding floral die
cuts for decoration and finishing with tassels and ribbons at the top.
The best part? These are quick and easy to make, so you can create a
whole batch in one sitting – ideal if you need teacher gifts, party
favours, or just want to brighten up your own reading time.
Crafty Tip: Easy Glitter Stripes
Lay down strips of double-sided tape directly onto your project, peel
away the backing, then sprinkle with fine glitter. Tap off the excess
and you’ll have perfectly sparkly stripes with no fuss – and in any
colour glitter you like!
Watch the Tutorial on YouTube
I’ve shared a step-by-step tutorial on my YouTube channel showing exactly how I made these glittery bookmarks.
You’ll also find all the other Flower Craft Festival projects linked there, so you can enjoy even more floral inspiration.
Why I Love This Project
• Practical and pretty – the best combination!
• Great way to use up scraps of cardstock.
• Double-sided tape and glitter = maximum sparkle with minimal effort.
• Quick to make, but still feels thoughtful and special.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss upcoming collaborations, tutorials, and cardmaking ideas.
I
had so much fun playing with the stamps from Creative Stamping Issue
150! For this project, I wanted to do something a little different and
create shaped cards using just the stamps and some simple basic shapes.
The result? Five playful designs that are easy to recreate and perfect
for so many occasions.
The 5 Shaped Cards
• Pumpkin Card – A warm autumnal card featuring cosy coffee and leaves, perfect for seasonal greetings.
• Donut Card – Bright and cheerful, stamped with fun sweet treats and perfect for a birthday card.
• Coffee Cup Card – A to-go coffee cup shape, stamped with autumn details and a sentiment that’s perfect for a coffee-loving friend.
•Mushroom Card – A cute and whimsical shaped card with a stamped background that makes it feel playful and fun.
• Cupcake Card – Decorated with embossed texture and topped with sweet stamped designs, perfect for a cheerful greeting.
Each card uses simple shapes as the base — circles, ovals, rectangles — so they’re quick and easy to put together, but still look extra special.
Why I Love These Cards
Shaped cards are a great way to stretch your supplies and think outside the box. You don’t need fancy dies to make them — just basic shaped dies, scissors, or a cutting machine, plus the gorgeous stamp set from the magazine.
Watch the Tutorial
I filmed a step-by-step video showing all 5 of these shaped cards in detail. You can watch it over on my YouTube channel here:
I’d love to know which card is your favourite! Let me know in the comments below.
There’s something extra special about a shaped card – it instantly feels unique and gives that “wow” factor before the recipient even opens it. For this design, I paired a mandala die set with the echinacea die set to create a floral mandala card that’s both intricate and elegant.
The
card base is created with the largest mandala die, using a simple hinge
technique so it opens like a regular card. I then layered another
mandala panel on top and added my die-cut echinacea flowers for
decoration.
To make the flowers really stand out, I used a special heat embossing
technique where just one embossing powder gave me three different shades
of shine and sparkle. Depending on how the light hits, the petals shift
beautifully – adding depth and a touch of magic to the design without
needing multiple powders.
Crafty Tip: Translucent Embossing Powders
Translucent embossing powders are a brilliant way to stretch your
supplies! Because they’re see-through, the colour underneath will affect
the final result. Try heat embossing the same powder on light vs dark
cardstock and watch it transform into completely different shades. It’s
like getting multiple powders in one!
About
the Collaboration
This card is part of a fun [insert collab name] YouTube hop, where a
group of us crafters have come together to share unique projects and
ideas. It’s always inspiring to see how differently everyone approaches
the same theme, and I love being part of such a supportive and creative
community.
Watch the Tutorial on YouTube
I’ve shared a step-by-step video tutorial on my YouTube channel, showing
you how I built the mandala-shaped base, layered the design, and added
that magical heat-embossed shine to the echinacea flowers.
Click here to watch the video and make sure to hop along to the other creators for even more inspiration!
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Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss upcoming collaborations, tutorials, and cardmaking ideas.
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Watch the full tutorial here →
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