MOTIVATION MONDAY

MOTIVATION MONDAY/ COLOR COMBO

I’ve been loving coming up with different color combos to use on Mondays. I got away from fall colors last week, but wanted to bring it back to fall this week with an alternate color palette. I’m loving how Secret Sea, Cloud Cover, and Cajun Craze come together to create a beautiful mix of deep, soft, and warm tones. These colors are perfect for fall-inspired cards, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box and use them for any occasion!

I used the color combination to make this Thinking of You Card.
 

Measurements and Supplies:

·       Secret Sea Cardstock – 8 ½” x 5 ½”, scored at 4 ¼”; 4” x 3 ¼ “’ 2 ¼” x 1 ¼”

·       Cloud Cover Cardstock – 4” x 5 ¼ “; 2 “ x 1 “

·       Cajun Craze Cardstock – 4 “ x 3”

·       Basic White Cardstock – 4” x 5 ¼ “

·       Radiant Sunflowers Photopolymer Stamp Set

·       Softly Woven 3D Embossing Folder

·       Secret Sea Classic Stampin’ Pad

·       2025 – 2027 In Color Flat Pearls

SECRET SEA CARDSTOCK
CLOUD COVER CARDSTOCK
CAJUN CRAZE CARDSTOCK
BASIC WHITE CARDSTOCK
RADIANT SUNFLOWERS STAMPS
SOFTLY WOVEN 3D EMBOSSING FOLDER
SECRET SEA STAMP PAD
2025-2027 IN COLOR FLAT PEARLS

MOTIVATION MONDAY

After several weeks of embracing those rich, earthy fall tones, I thought it was time to lighten things up a little!  This week, we’re trading the fall colors for a pastel palette.  These colors bring such a fresh, cheerful feel to our cardmaking.

For my card, I paired our color combo with a few of my favorite products from the Last Chance List—items I’m so glad to have in my cardmaking stash! They’re still bringing so much creativity and versatility to my projects. If there’s a stamp set, die, or other crafting goodie you’ve been wanting, now may be the perfect time to grab it before it’s gone for good! 

Measurements and Supplies:

·       Basic Thick White Cardstock – 8 ½ “ x 5 ½ “, scored at 4 ¼ “ (card base)

·       Lemon Lolly Cardstock – 4 “ x 5 ¼ “, ½ “ scrap for greeting

·       Basic White Cardstock – 3 ¾ “ x 5 “

·       Framed Violets Bundle

·       Lazy Daisy 3D Embossing Folder

·       Three Banner Punch

·       Wink of Stella

·       Lemon Lolly Classic Stampin’ Pad

·       Pool Party Classic Stampin’ Pad

·       Bubble Bath Classic Stampin’ Pad
BASIC WHITE THICK CARDSTOCK
LEMON LOLLY CARDSTOCK
BASIC WHITE CARDSTOCK
FRAMED VIOLETS BUNDLE
LAZY DAISY EMBOSSING FOLDER
THREE BANNER PUNCH
WINK OF STELLA
LEMON LOLLY STAMPIN PAD
POOL PARTY STAMPIN PAD
BUBBLE BATH STAMPIN PAD

Trouble Scoring?

The Simply Scored Scoring Tool is a must-have for any cardmaker, especially when creating 3D projects like boxes, treat holders, and other fun-fold designs! It makes creating crisp, precise score lines quick and easy, helping your projects fold neatly and look professional. One of my favorite advantages over using the paper trimmer to score is that you don’t have to keep moving and repositioning your cardstock for every score line. Just lay your cardstock down and score away! It’s a real time-saver when a project calls for lots of scoring.
Simply Scored Scoring Tool

“MAKEUP BRUSHES” FOR YOUR CRAFTING

Blending brushes are one of those must-have tools in cardmaking that can take your projects to the next level! They make it easy to add soft color, create beautiful gradients, blend ink smoothly, and build depth and dimension on your cardstock. Whether you’re creating a soft background, adding a pop of color around a sentiment, or creating a gorgeous sunset effect, blending brushes offer endless creative possibilities.
BLENDING BRUSHES

Join Me for Facebook Live!

Let’s get crafty together!
There’s nothing better than sharing a little creativity with friends! Join me on Facebook Live every Thursday at 7 PM EST for a fun-filled crafting session with Carolina Craftin’.
Whether you’re a seasoned card maker or just getting started, you’re always welcome at my craft table! During each Live, I’ll share card-making ideas, demonstrate Stampin’ Up! products, offer tips and techniques, and show you how to create beautiful handmade cards you’ll be excited to share.
What can you expect?
  • Creative Inspiration: Discover new card designs, fun folds, and creative ways to use your favorite crafting products.
  • Tips & Techniques: Learn helpful tricks to make your card-making easier and more enjoyable.
  • Product Showcases: See Stampin’ Up! stamps, papers, tools, and embellishments in action.
  • Crafting Community: Chat with fellow crafters, share your ideas, and be part of the Carolina Craftin’ family.
  • Fun Giveaways: Join the conversation for a chance to win the card or project I create during the Live!
You don’t have to be an expert to join the fun. Just come as your are and spend a little time crafting with me!
 When: Every Thursday at 7 PM EST
Where: On my Carolina Craftin’ Facebook page
I can’t wait to see you there! Let’s create something beautiful together, one card at a time.

THE WONDER SHEET

If you’ve never used a silicone craft sheet, you might be surprised by just how handy this little tool can be!
The Stampin’ Up! Silicone Craft Sheet is one of those tools I reach for again and again because it gives me a non-stick surface for crafting without worrying about adhesive or other sticky messes. 
  • Applying adhesive? No problem!
  • Using Stampin’ Dimensionals or liquid glue? Easy cleanup!
  • Heat embossing or working with messy techniques? It helps protect your work surface.
And one of my favorite things? Adhesive peels right off when it dries! No more worrying about gluing your project to your craft table. 😂
Do you have a silicone craft sheet in your craft room? If not, this might be one tool you didn’t know you needed! 
SILCONE CRAFT SHEET

Take Your Pick Tool

If you make cards, this is one little tool that can do SO many jobs! And it definitely earns a spot on my list of most-used tools in my craft room. 
The Take Your Pick Tool is my go-to when I need a little extra help with all those tiny cardmaking details.
I use it for:
  • Picking up and placing small embellishments
  • Removing adhesive backing from Dimensionals
  • Positioning tiny die-cut pieces
  • Picking up small pieces of cardstock or Designer Series Paper
  • Getting into those little spaces my fingers just can’t reach!
It’s especially handy when working with tiny embellishments and intricate die cuts. Instead of chasing those little pieces around my craft table, I can let my Take Your Pick Tool do the work!  I have bought all of the attachments and they come in so handy, too!
And that’s what I love about it — one small tool with so many uses!
TAKE YOUR PICK TOOL

IT MAY BE SMALL BUT IT’S USED ALL THE TIME

It may be small, but this is one of those tools that I reach for again and again when making cards!

A bone folder is perfect for getting those nice, crisp folds on your card bases and scoring lines. It also comes in handy when creating fun folds, burnishing scored cardstock, and helping paper fold exactly where you want it to.

And here’s a little tip: don’t underestimate how much a crisp fold can improve the finished look of your card! A well-folded card base just makes everything look a little more polished. 

If you’re new to cardmaking, this is definitely one of those simple tools I recommend having in your craft room.

bone folder

MOTIVATION MONDAY

Today’s color inspiration features Blackberry Bliss, Crushed Curry, Pecan Pie & Olive Olive — a warm, earthy combination that is perfect for fall cards!
 

I used the color combo today and added the Sunflower 3D embossing folder to create my card. I used sponge dauber to add the ink and came up with this beautiful card. The sentiment is from the Fun For Fall stamp set.


CAROLINA CRAFTIN’ MOST USED TOOLS WEEK

This week, we’re switching things up!

Instead of showcasing a stamp set or suite, I’m putting the spotlight on something I use ALL the time in my craft room — my favorite cardmaking tools! 

For the next 7 days, I’ll be featuring one of my most-used tools each day and sharing why it has earned a permanent place on my craft table.

Some are tools I use on almost every card, while others are those little helpers that make crafting easier, faster, or just plain better!

We are starting off strong with the Paper Trimmer!  A good paper trimmer is a must-have for a card maker. Whether I’m cutting cardstock for a card base, trimming Designer Series Paper, creating layers, or cutting pieces for a class or tutorial, my paper trimmer is used daily.  And I can not only cut but score as well.  Having blades for both is so helpful!

It’s also light weight so it travels with me on crafting retreats and get togethers with my crafty friends!

For me, this is definitely one of those tools I use on every project and absolutely deserves a spot on my list of 7 most-used crafting tools.

paper trimmer