How to use layering stencils for simple stamping

 

Welcome to the March Totally Techniques blog hop.  We are sharing ideas for using layering stencils which could be homemade using die cuts or using bundles like this Layers of Beauty version that I have created.  There are 5 stencils.  Start with #1 and work your way through all 5. 

After stamping your image gently attach it to a piece of copier paper or grid paper with some low tack tape.  Position stencil #1 over the image in the correct place lining it up with the image outlines.  You can then mark the position of the stencil starting at the top left with the notch in the stencil.  I've added pen marks for the corners of the stencil. 

 

Use blending brushes or sponge daubers to add colour to the revealed sections of the image. 

Once completed carefully remove stencil #1 and work through each stencil lining it up with the notch and corner marks.  Use the colours that suit your design. 

Once completed you can die cut the image or you can use the whole sheet on which it is stamped, however make sure you remove any tape carefully at a 45degree angle to reduce the risk of tearing the card. 

As you can see I die cut my image and added some extra die cuts using other dies from the set.  Again I added colour using a blending brush and added these extra leaves to my main image.  I use a little glue on the front of each stem to then adhere them to the back of the image.  

I also added a sneak peek sentiment from a new stamp set coming in May in the new Summer catalogue.  It's called A Family Celebration and has mainly the script font and a number of the words in capitals.  A great size and fresh looking.  I stamped in black ink and cut each word to add to my background of Wood Grain Wonder DSP.  

I added Wink of Stella to some of the petals for some shimmer along with a ladybird and clear epoxy dots to the Daisy flower centres.  I love a little #simplestamping and colouring in for an easy, effective and relaxing craft session.  

Enjoy the hop and gather the tips to create your own versions.

Thanks for popping by.

Happy stamping Zoe x

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PAPER PUMPKIN SUBSCRIPTION KITS

COMING 1 APRIL 2026 

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Supplies

Large Blending Brushes

small blending brushes

Ladybug Garden Epoxy Shapes

Layers of Beauty Bundle

Please contact me. 

How to do the double embossing technique

 

Welcome to February's Totally Techniques blog hop.  This month we are sharing tips for the Double Embossing technique.  

I decided to use one of my newest stamp bundles that will be available in my Stampin' Up! shop from 3 March.  It's called Match Day and is perfect for all card makers and scrapbookers with football fans or football players in their family or friendship groups.  You can create in colours to suit their favourite team and have lots of fun.  I have already created several cards in sky blue for family who are hoping to see Coventry City promote back to the Championship league for the first time in quite some years.   My dear Dad will jump for joy in heaven if it happens, he was a big City fan.  Keeping our fingers crossed. 

For this card you'll need the Match Play bundle along with Cajun Craze and Old Olive card, an embossing folder similar to Exposed Brick, some Versamark ink and clear embossing powder and a heat tool.  

You can see how to create this fun technique in my video below. 

Enjoy our hop and if you are based in the UK remember you can buy the necessary products in my shop via the links below or browse my Stampin' Up! ® Shop

Thanks for checking in

Zoe x

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Supplies

Old Olive Cardstock

Cajun Craze cardstock

Versamark Ink pad

Embossing powder

Clean and simple cardmaking technique

 

Hello lovely visitors.  Welcome to my share for the Totally Techniques blog hop for January 2026.  This month we are sharing CAS cards, clean and simple or as my US friend calls it Clean and Sharp.  I've used a couple of very simple techniques within that theme of ink blending and splattering.  You can make similar with more colours or indeed stick with the gorgeous Secret Sea ( my new Old Olive go with any colour ) and a single colour combo. 

I like the striking outline images of the Natural Botanicals stamp set and it has lent itself really well to this card.  

If you haven't come across our January Product of the Month (POTM) then do take a look at how you can get your hands on it for just £5.  It has a super pair of fonts and sentiments for many, many occasions.  

Enjoy our hop. 

Sending sunshine

Zoe x

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Supplies

In color dsp

Natural Botanicals stamp set

Fabulous Sayings 

Cardstock

In Color Flat Pearls

How to use Emboss Paste for the Totally Techniques blog hop.

Hi everyone I hope you have had a super Christmas if you celebrate it and are ready to see in the new year!  2025 has certainly been very eventful in so many ways and I'm hoping that 2026 will bring more joy that its predecessor.  

Our last Totally Techniques hop theme was rather rashly chosen by me quite some months ago when I had current stecils/masks to use with the paste.  When I came to create my card I was somewhat at a loss. I did consider creating my own stencils, but then struck upon the idea of adding ink to colour the paste and using it as a backdrop for a focal image. 

So with a new bundle which you'll see arrive in early January I settled upon using the Fragrant Layers bundle and the colours of Soft Sea Foam, Lemon Lolly and Fresh Freesia.  Subtle colours, but vibrant and fresh inviting Spring to come as soon as it can as a change from the damp foggy mornings we've had recently.  

You'll see in the video how I went about creating my card and how to add the ink to the paste.  It's only as messy as you want it to be for those who are clean ink free finger folk, but it verges on the mixed media for those who want to be a little more adventurous.  Enjoy and do subscribe if you find it appeals.  

Thanks for popping by and I wish you all good wishes for the remainder of the year and of course the very best for the new year ahead.  

Keep stamping

Zoe x

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Shop  Supplies 

embossing paste

embossing paste

palette knives craft 

Fresh Freesia Re inker 

Lemon Lolly Refill 

Soft Sea Foam Refill

 

How to make a shaker card

Welcome to November's Totally Techniques Blog Hop.  Shaker cards always play tricks on my brain and somehow it doesn't tell me the right order, but here I have it right and have I hope created a simple version of a shaker card for you to try.  I've used the Friendly Foliage stamp and die bundle from Stampin' Up! which will be available to purchase in January.  It's one of the new online exclusive products and is way more user friendly than you might at first think.  

For my card I've used the colours Pool Party, Garden Green and Granny Apple Green inks and Pool Party and white card. The lovely soft chevron ribbon is also a new product coming very soon.  Often shaker cards contain sequins or mini beads, but I decided to use the tiny bee trinkets for my  shaker. You'll see in the tutorial how I added them and kept them in the shake zone with foam adhesive strips and window sheet.  

Shaker Card Tutorial

You'll see I did some tone on tone stamping too, to extend the design across the card.  This works best usually with stronger colours, but here it worked well too as have the Traditional Sparkling Sequins to add a sparkly lift to the design.  Sending cards to friends and family still bring smiles and love to the recipients and when they are handmade they send a strong message of 'I'm thinking of you'

Enjoy our hop via the links below and do follow my youtube channel if you enjoy my tutorial. 

Thanks for visiting 

Happy stamping Zoe x

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Supplies Used

Tiny Bee Trinkets

Window Sheet

small blending brushes

Traditional Sparkling Sequins 

Premium Pool Party cardstock 

 Available January 2026