Online Card Classes - Are they worth it?

I found the card making world in January 2025. And did a deep dive starting in February wanting to have it all! Part of card making is a collector mentality. And coming from collection Lego, it felt just right. I watched YouTube videos and lives. Found the top influencers in the current arena of Jennifer McGuire, Gina K, Kathy Z, Mindy Eggen, Nichol Spohr, Jaycee Gaspar, and so many more. And then I found out that virtual online card classes is a thing and became strong after the world changed in 2020.

I signed up for so many online card classes in 2025. My plan or idea was to try different company's classes to see if there was a fit for me. I started to write blogs on each class, which you can check out. I know there are more to add. Hopefully I can get those done. Here is the list of events I signed up for in 2025, now, I did not complete all the cards. But I did most of them.

• Altenew - Anniversary Class, Fall Cozy and Comfort, Academy Classes, and multiple workshops
• Brutus Monroe - Spring Fling
• Firefly Farm - June and August Event
• PinkFresh - Guy Cards, Techniques, and Holiday Events
• Scrapbook and Cards - Holiday Joy, Sweet Spells, Fall Crop and Create w/bonus Day
• Spellbinders - Weekender
• Concord & 9th - Summer Camp
• Online Card Class - Celebrate, So Very Merry, and So Very 2025
• Pink and Main - Joyful Holiday  
• Crafters Companion - Craftaganza (only 1st segment in June)
• Simon Says Stamp - Bee Class, Tim Horton Christmas

Looking at this list, I felt I covered a good sample of what is offered. Right off the bat, some of the companies that offer classes that I didn't sign up for is Taylored Expressions, and La-La Crafts. I am sure there are plenty more however money and time came into play.

Platform

What did I figure out in my 2025 "research"? The number one thing I figured out is I prefer the classes that are held on zoom. We are all taking these classes from our home craft rooms. Now some people are lucky enough to have a friend group that meet up and are able to participate together. I enjoy the zoom classes because even though during the big classes were put on mute, at some point the interaction does happen. And we are able to talk to the instructors. It adds a side of personal to the class and I enjoy that interaction.

Now the YouTube live classes are not bad. I have watched so many of them and gone back to the videos to finish cards I didn't get to. And the instructors are very good on these classes. They interact with the chat and share the tricks and tips they find helpful. When you are watching live you can pause the video if you are crafting along. This helps on some of the cards that are more difficult. To me the YouTube classes lack that personal touch that I can get from zoom. Even though I am a person that enjoys staying at home, my need to have social interaction does come into play. On that note, I will be doing some online classes in 2026 that are only on YouTube. I just prefer the zoom classes.

I have watched like two Facebook live classes. Those are chunky to me; the software doesn't do it for me. The instructors are great; it really is the platform. It is hard to get the screen just right. So basically, it is a no for me if on Facebook.

Supplies

Let's talk about what supplies you get in these kits. Overall, there wasn't an event that I was disappointed in the number of supplies received. The best thing to do when you are looking at the classes is to see what you need to provide. Some of them provide cardstock, at least most will send white cardstock but not color cardstock. Some send or offer for extra $$ to purchase the inks and cardstock that instructors are using. This is for companies that hold their own events like Altenew and Concord & 9th. 

Most are jammed pack with dies, stencils, stamps. There are some embossing folders, embellishments and "gifts" like glue, or specialty cardstock in the boxes. If you want to try out multiple companies the best start is to do one of the three-day Crop and Creates from Scrapbook and Cards. The boxes are packed and the average price per class is around $25/USD. This might be the average price for all the events, well except Simon Says Stamp. This is a free class but if you want to buy the product the instructor is using that is usually around $100/USD. 

Some of the events had premade card kits with a sampling of dies, stencils, stamps that went with the cards. You always have an option to buy the additional add-ons during the event. But at the same time the add-ons weren't needed to create more cards with what you were given already in your package.

If you are just starting in this hobby, the best thing for any class you take is to make sure you have basic essentials on hand. This would be white cardstock, card bases, trimmer, glue, ink, blending brushes, and tweezers. You can make color cardstock with the ink you have. 

Cost

For the cost of these events, I picked ones that ranged from $100 - $350. There are some that I didn't do that I saw for over the $350. With the number of events I wanted to tryout it seemed I needed to have a budget. If you are looking for the events, some offer early bird pricing, affiliated discounts, payment plans, and different packages. I did one day, two-day, three days, and even four-day events. By the end of the 3/4 day events you have spent a lot of time in your craft room. And your family is starting to wonder if you will be leaving the room!

I look at the cost of what it would take to travel to a crop out of town. So, the high priced lined up to where I might say a one-night stay in a hotel, event fee, some shopping and gas/food. Of course, this is going to an event that is within driving distance and were the hotel is around $150/night or less.

The variety of products received also makes it cost conscious. Like mentioned above, usually the kits are packed and offer the ability to make multiple cards. I think my sweet spot on cost / products would be around $250/event. 

Social Interaction

All events that I attend had a private Facebook group page. You didn't have to join but really, why wouldn't you. Even if you don't like Facebook, you can go straight to the group pages and just be on those. Ignore the other sections of Facebook. 

The good about the Facebook page is the instructors do visit and help out. You are able to share your cards, and there are tons of inspiration in this industry of what to do to make a card pop. People share ink swatches to different brands, which helps if you want to make the cards just like the instructors. This way you don't need to buy ever ink brand. But also remember the cards don't need to look the same. If you like greens make your card with green instead of purple. It is your card. The groups remain open, and I have seen people go back and post pictures of new cards made with the supplies we are sent.

The bad about the Facebook page would be people. I know harsh but at least one person has a complaint that doesn't need to be shared. As any trip you take there is going to be something that someone doesn't like. Unless you plan your trip and vet out all possibilities or just have enough money that your staff will take care of you, life will happen. Boxes will be lost; people will share images before you get the box. For the most part, the moderators do a great job of herding the negativity to the side. But it will be there, at times I have muted the group until the event starts because for my sanity, didn't need to see the posts.

Is it worth it?

My biggest take away from is it worth it would be what do I want to spend my money on? I love receiving the kits for each event. But now I really analyze the "sneak peaks" that are offered and figure out do I need more Birthday items? Have I used all the birthday items I already have purchased?

The instructors are also a factor and not in a way that some are bad and some are good. But more if I sign up for one event are the instructors the same in another one I am looking at. I want a variety of instructors because at times if the events are close to each other the tips might be the same. We are all human, it happens.

The platform is a big one for me, I have chosen to limit my online events for 2026. I will take more that are on zoom and love the free workshops from Altenew. I enjoy that interaction. Now I did sign up for a couple of YouTube events this year. But after carefully consideration, am narrowing it down to two currently. This might change but that would be really if the "sneaks" interest me enough. And it would also be if the event was product that you can only get in the event. 

The availably of the product in the events that are only available in the event and will not be sold later one, helps make a decision for me. If I see something that for some reason I can't live without then I will sign up for the event. Now if there is only one set of stamps, die, stencil that interest me but the other 6 are okay. I will hold off on it. I figure I can get more from the new releases or even old releases that are in the stores now.

In conclusion, you need to look at your budget, your current supplies, and what brings you joy to decide if it would be worth it for you. I will not stop with the virtual classes because overall it is more economical to attend from my house then to travel. However, this year I am also going to branch out and attend some local Crops. Test the waters to see if this is something I enjoy. Maybe next year, I will hop on a plane and attend some events farther away.

No matter what, I will be creating small masterpieces that bring me joy and joy to the recipients. 

Radiant Blooms - 7 Different ways

 As many card makers, I am also a collector. Every new and old stamp, die, stencil is screaming at me that I need it. I must have it to create the best card. I decided to start using my stash by creating as many cards as I could with one main product. My first try at this is Altenew's Radiant Blooms. 

1.    Fresh Dye Inks

On this card, I stamped on to card stock the image of the flowers and basket. And followed the stencil coloring that comes with the set. I grabbed a cover die for the background yellow cardstock. Trimmed down the front cover to create a small white border frame. Die cut the flowers and basket and adhered it to the card with foam tape.

2. Alcohol Markers

I used Pinkfresh Detail Black ink to stamp the flowers and basket. Then proceed to use Altenew's Alcohol Markers to color in the images. On this one I was able to use the same colors that I had in the fresh dye inks as well. 

I then stamped a cling stamp on the background. I didn't want it perfect; I liked that it had some areas fading. I framed out the card with black and white borders. 

3. Watercolor Brushes

I had at this time the Tropical Fiesta brushes from Altenew. This was my first time trying out these brushes. I managed to add shading on the leaves, and little on the flowers. But will need more practice. I stamped the images on watercolor cold pressed 140 lbs. paper. 

Took my time to apply small amounts of watercolor with the brushes and spread it around with a slightly damp watercolor brush. A little goes along way. I then die cut the images, and the sentiment. 

I stamped the flowers to the background card front. Cut down the card to have a brown border. I added the die cuts to the card with foam tape.

4. Embossing and Ink Blending

This one might be one of my favorites. I used white embossing powder on the flowers and leaves. And bronze embossing powder on the basket. Once I added embossing powder and used the heating tool to active, it was time to ink blend.

When you use embossing powder, the ink might blending on top of it but you can rub off that part. I wanted to use colors that would be dark enough to work with the white and bronze. I did a light stamping on the background of the card and added a strip of card stock. The strip balances out the basket to have it not floating on the card.

5. No Line Ink Blending

On this version, I lightly stamped the images. And used the stencils to color the items. I didn't go back and re-stamp. Since I didn't use a dark ink, it appears to be no lines. 

I added some more drama by putting it onto a black card panel. 

6. Alcohol Ink

I have taken one class with Tiffany Solorio on alcohol inks. So, I have very little knowledge on how it moves. I figured this would be a great opportunity to tryout my new inks from Altenew and create. 

I used specialty paper, rubbing alcohol and the “air” blower to move the ink. Once I got to a point that I liked the background. I dried it with a heating tool. I cut out the sentiment in white with a vellum shadow.

I took the radiant blooms stamp and used pigment white. I didn’t use a stamp positioning tool but took the stamp and freehanded it onto the page. I wanted it to look random on the page.        

7. Acrylic Markers w/ shimmer splatter 

Here I started with a brown card panel and stamped the flowers in different directions on the panel. I used Altenew's acrylic markers to color the images. I wanted to bring a muted coloring that the reds and pinks would pop but at the same time leave the overall feel of the card to be soft. I did add some shimmer splatter to add the sheen and followed up with white paint splatter. 

Summary: 

I wanted to create 10 different cards but got waylaid at 7 cards. I think there is so much more I can do with this set. I have learned a lot more since I started this in the summer of 2025. I might make a second blog on more that I make, if I can get motivated. 

My end conclusion is to remind myself that one set is not a one off. I need to use them and create and create, and create. For 2026, my goal is to shop less and use more stash! 

Pinkfresh "Cards For Him" Create & Connect

 In May of 2025, I attended my first Pinkfresh create and connect virtual event. I also consider this my first big online event live on YouTube. This event was live on \Saturday, May 17 through Sunday, May 18th. The list included 6 different instructors using full sets of products. The event started at 9AM eastern time with a kickoff introduction of all the instructors. 

They set up a Facebook group about two / three weeks before the event. You don't have to be on Facebook however it does offer advice from the instructors and previous attendees. And the uploads of the cards are inspirational.

During the event on YouTube, chatting is in full force. The instructors are very good at paying attention and helping best they can. Pinkfresh has a moderator as well to help with any instructions or questions. Sometimes it is good to watch first and participate in the chat. And then to come back to create the cards at a later date. 

The box of goodies:

Pinkfresh knows how to make you feel like you have got a great deal for the cost of these events. I was super impressed when I got the box. They did do an unboxing before the event closed out on signing out but to have the product in your hands is totally different. In case you don't know, Pinkfresh creates coordinating product. For most product there is a stencil (multiple layering), die and stamp. 

The majority of the product is only for available for the event and will not be sold in the shop later. Some of the essential's products can be put on their site at later dates. The product is divided up into plastic zip bags by each class. On the front of the bags list the contents, so you can check quickly on the contents. 

One thing about Pinkfresh is that they do not send cardstock. Well let me rephrase this, they do not send white cardstock. In later events I take, they did send some A2 pieces of their glitter card stock and acetate. All the coloring on the cards made are from using the inks in class. 

In the box, is a printed letter size instruction booklet. This includes the instructions for all 6 classes with 2 cards each. And also includes 12 make and takes that the instructors have created from using different parts of the kits. This means you can walk away from the event with 24 cards. 

Prepping / Homework

Pinkfresh sends a pdf of what homework to do before class. It isn't necessary but it does help not feel rush if you are going to craft with the instructors. Each instructor did record YouTube videos on their homework. It is very helpful, sometimes the written instructions aren't as clear as you would think.

I did the homework and put them all in the bags with the product. I only made one set for each car
d. Now, looking back I should have made two sets on most of these. A couple of the cards I wouldn't necessarily want to do again but the majority of them were very fun and gorgeous cards. 

I try to do any of the embossing for sentiments beforehand. I am still trying to figure out the skill of getting it to look good.

Creating the Cards

I am going to put in pictures of the cards I created. I did use Pinkfresh ink for all the cards. 

Summary

I thoroughly enjoyed this experience. I did finish more of the cards later. Each class was two hours, and the pace was pretty quick. Since I had just started doing cardmaking in March, it was a lot to handle. But I wouldn't have wanted to miss this event. I learned a lot and have inspiration to do more things. 

I did miss two of the Sunday class because I had to do some adulting. This means that I had errands and tasks to do. It took me a little bit to complete those classes. The great thing about these events is they are recorded on YouTube so you can go back and watch them at any time.

What I have found is that I save them in a private playlist so that I can find them again. Usually, you can find the links on Facebook but you never know if Facebook changes their rules. 

Discounts:

Pinkfresh does offer a discount pre-class. And then another one after the class. 

Brutus Monroe - Spring Fling April 2025

 In my journey to try out as many virtual events in the card making industry, Brutus Monroe Spring Fling was my second event. But it was my first weekend event. This event did have a small amount of people that attended in person as the same time.

The kit arrived in plenty of time before the event. The only major thing you would need to purchase if you didn’t already have it would be inks. One main thing on all these events is trying to match the colors with inks you have in your possession. The staff in charge of the event did create a couple of chart comparisons to different inks that could be substituted for example distress oxides to Gina K inks. 

Instructions were provided after the classes that could be downloaded or reviewed online at Brutus Monroe website. For these classes you watched / participated and followed along with each instructor. There was no homework that was needed to be completed before the event.

The Facebook group was very nice. I have now seen some groups that get a little “complaining” at times. This one was very kind and sincere. If any one had a question, the attendees would help. Also Gina K would also answer questions before the events. Links were posted to the YouTube classes.

Classes

Christopher Alan did the 1st and 3rd class. This was on Saturday morning and Sunday evening. He used Brutus Monroe product and created two cards per class. These classes we used a mixture of the 6x6 paper packs, card stock, stamps, stencils, and dies. Some of the color combinations were a little a way from my liking. However, the structure of the cards were very insightful. I did end up having to go back and create one of the cards later. This was one of the last cards on Sunday and I didn’t line it up properly.

One thing that Christopher Alan does is make you touch the artist side of your brain. You are piecing together different patterns, colors to create a cohesive card front. But his cards also build to the inside. A lot of card making stops after the outside. And the inside is up to you to figure out how to fill the blank space. 

Here are the cards I created in Christopher Alan’s classes:

Gina K did the second class and you can tell she has been doing this for a while. She comes very prepared for her class. We ended up creating what I have come to learn is the “classic” Gina K cards. The product that was used for her class, was designed by Gina K for this class. She did three cards during her class. Her cards used a stencil, stamping, die cutting and creating “black” frames. I have started to really appreciate a good frame on a card. 

Her use of silhouette and frames puts a card to being a master piece. I did finish all three cards during class. I might have made some minor errors but practice makes for better!

Here are the cards I created in Gina K class:

Shopping

After event discount code was offered along with “raffle” tickets to participate in a giveaway event. They created packages of extras that you could purchase from the class supplies. 

Impression

I had just started my “hobby” in card making when I took this class. I had been introduced to the community two months prior and the details of making cards was still new. These classes taught by these two people was a great introduction. And since, there was no homework and everything was done in class the pace was very good for a newbie.

The chat was very active during the class. And both instructors participated in the chat. 

The Details

Event Cost: $250

Class: 3 - 2 hours each

Cards: 7 cards

Teachers: Christopher Alan (2 classes), Gina K (1 class)

Presentations: Live on YouTube

Access: Brutus Monroe Events Course web page (Includes Printable Instructions and Videos)

Community: Private Facebook Group

Kit Included: Stamp set and die, 2 stamp sets with dies and stencils, stand alone stencil, 2 sets of 6x6 paper packs, Embossing powder and 9 pieces of card stock [All Brutus Monroe Product]

Exclusive: All Kit items will be available for general public 

Extra’s Needed: Ink, die cutting machine, score board, glue, blending brushes, stamp positioning (helpful not necessary)

Homework: None

Brutus Monroe Events

Camp Firefly - June Creative Crate S'mores Edition 2025

 

This virtual event is slightly different than others I have attended so far. This is an event that is presented by a paper craft store, Firefly Farms, in Minnesota. There is an option to do the card making or scrapbooking classes. Once you pay for your spot you are able to add classes from the one you didn’t pick. For example, I picked card making and I could have added any of the three classes from scrapbooking. I did not add on this event, and only stuck with the card making. 

When I got the kit it was different then others kits I have received so far. This one included other items besides card making materials. Since this is done through a paper craft store that also sells home / personal goods you got a little bit of goodies. 

In the event kit, you receive some of that month’s release or previous month release from the companies that are used in each class. Before the kit is shipped you fill out a survey and have options to add to the kit for a cost additional dies, stencils at a slight discount that will be part of the items that are provided in the kit. 

Because this isn’t being done by one company, some of the items are prepared card kits and don’t include the stamps and dies you would expect. I have never used a prepared kit before so it was interesting that I didn’t have to do die cutting or card base making. 

This event has one class during the weekday in the evening, and then the remainder of the classes are on Saturday. Firefly is moving to do YouTube lives but at this time the scrapbooking classes were done on FaceBook Live. You are able to watch all classes no matter what group you sign up to be part of. However if you don’t pay for the extra classes in the group you didn’t sign up in then you don’t get the product. 

Description of Classes

In the class with Jen Shurkus, she was using Lawn Fawn products. Jen uses copic markers and gives a very detailed guide on how to use markers to color on the cards. Her class was interactive on YouTube, and she is very helpful in answering questions, and giving details on specific coloring techniques. 

We used product from Lawn Fawns’ new June release and old product. Most of the older product was still available to purchase from Lawn Fawns. I do find this helpful when attending the class because it allows for you to try some of what the products can produce before buying them. 

The part of the event kit that you received was the drink stamps seen below (this was the bonus item), you could add on the new taco cart add ons and the die cuts. I did add these on, as I am a sucker for die cuts. I think it makes the experience of making cards to a level that gives you a good finish.

Below are the cards that I created for this class. 

In Mindy Eggen’s class, we used Pretty Pink Posh card kit. It appears Pretty Pink Posh creates card kits for this purpose, either virtual events or in person classes. It comes in a plastic zipper with a cover photo and all the items you need to create the three cards. Well at least the material items, you still need to have markers or ink pads. This classed used the new releases from Pretty Pink Posh. We used pattern paper, stencils and created a sand shaker card. 

Mindy is very good at teaching the classes online. And the three cards since already prepared for you, came together in the two hours without feeling rushed. 

The event kit included the summer stencil, shell stamps and die cuts. At this point I had never used Pretty Pink Posh items and I was not disappointed in their product. 

Here are the cards I created in this class:

The final full class was done by Lea Lawson, featuring Waffle Flower products. I do participate in the monthly subscription to Waffle Flower and for this month I didn’t skip it. So it was an extra bonus that I had other parts of this theme for later use. 

If you didn’t know Waffle Flower is the main leader in postage collages. They have created a lot of them over the last couple of years. This one we used the coastal collage and Lea showed three different ways to use the collage. Her use of colors made each card slightly different. 

Here is what I made during her class:

On the Make & Take part, this was done by a quick FaceBook live by Melissa Miller. I mean quick because it was about 20 minutes. And we used the PinkFresh stencil to create a card. This is offered for both the scrapbooking and card making participants. 

Here is the card I created:

Shopping

At the start, you are given a discount code to shop at Firefly if you need to purchase any extra suppliers. They will add these to your kit box before it ships out.

During the event, I was introduced to the virtual shopping event. Now this is different than any of the other events I have experienced. And it was fun, maybe a little expensive but that is up to you how much stuff you ask for!! This is a live FaceBook event, and Trisha from Firefly has created shopping bundles. Some go with the items we used, some are other items from those shops. And then there are items that they sell at their store. It was a fun way to end the event.

The last bit is there is a final discount code for the weekend to shop at Firefly Farms. 

Impression

Since this is one of the smaller events, I believe in total around 100 people attend, it has a very intimate feeling. Even though you don’t see any one but the instructors and Trisha, the names start to be familiar. The shopping event is fun and different. Yes, the cost is on the higher end for one of these events. It is understandable since they are not working with just one store. And have to put the items together themselves and pay the instructors. 

They have three of these events during the year and also some in person events. If you are interested on getting a small variety of different stores items, then this is a good experience. It gets you the ability to dip into card making without having to purchase all the product. 

The Details

Event Cost: $279

Class: 3 - 2 hours each, and 30 minute make & take class

Cards: 10 Cards

Instructors: Jen Shurkus featuring Lawn fawn, Mindy Eggen featuring Pretty Pink Posh, Lea Lawson featuring Waffle Flower, and Melissa Miller featuring Pinkfresh Studio.

Presentations: Live on YouTube and Facebook

Access: Private Paylist on YouTube and saved on Facebook

Community: Private Facebook Group

Kit Included: S’mores DIY display, Natural balm, candies, bonus Lawn Fawn Summer Stamps, washi and pattern paper; Pretty Pink Posh Seashells stamp & die, and the summer words stencil; Waffle Flower Postal Collage Stencil, Just a Note word die, and Hello Sunshine sub-sentiments. Pinkfresh stamp and stencil

Exclusive: All Kit items will be available for general public 

Extra’s Needed: Ink, glue, blending brushes, alcohol markers

Homework: None

Events & Classes | Firefly Farms & Catching Fireflies | Pine Island MN

Celebration: Stencil Techniques with Altenew

 Today I tackled using a stencil to make it the background but at the same time to make it the star of the card! This is another class towards my level 1 for AECP.

I wanted to play with paste instead of ink on this card. I grabbed an old stencil from Altenew to go with the theme of the company. Mixing old with new, the Diamond Snowflake, I believe is from 2 years ago. 

I use a paste to build up the snowflakes on the card front on the beautiful Caribbean cardstock. It is kind of funny to add snow the Caribbean, but the classic blue and white always comes together.  

Then I pick the Zero-Waste: Oval Serenity die set from this year to create the center piece. But I don't want to cover up the snowflakes. I use vellum from the oval cut out to be able to still see the majority of the card front.

I glued the sentiment on the middle of the vellum and then added glue to the back of the vellum where the sentiment was placed. This way you are not able to see the glue through the vellum.

I die cut out the flowers and leaves with three different colors. Before I put them down with glue, I play the puzzle game. Putting different flowers/leaves down in areas until I find were I want them to be. I did take a picture to use as a guide once I got to the step of glueing.   

As I add the flowers and leaves to the card, it additional helps to secure the vellum on the bottom of the oval.  I picked the dark blue color to add to the mat on the card. It connects the colors together from the middle to the outer edge of the card.

The top of the vellum was still loose, so I figured I would add three glue dots on the paste section at the top. Once the glue dried it faded into the paste, and you can't see it through the vellum.

If the glue is visible, you could add other embellishments to the top of the vellum to hide it. On this card I was trying to make the background stencil be the star. Which meant having it show through as much as I can on the card front.

In the end, I love how this card turned out. The Altenew class taught me so many ways to use a stencil and I look forward trying out the different techniques on many more cards.

 

All About Layering 3 with Altenew

 Hello All! 

All About Layering 3 at Altenew is part of my AECP Level 1 classes. In this project, I wanted to create a minimalist card that highlighted cool color tones.

To start, I used the Dainty Blooms cover die to create an intricate background. I kept it white on white which helped not take away from the purples and blue that are on the flowers. 

Layering stamps can be frustrating. As the tools in stamping have become better engineered, I found using the stamp wheel very helpful. Sometimes the color does not saturate enough on the first imprint. This is why it helps to have the stamp wheel and be able to apply a second time. 

Even though I ended up not using the stems or leaves on the stamp set, I did ink them up. And used the stamp wheel to create numerous ones by just rotating the plate. Another benefit to the stamp wheel.

Altenew’s Columbine Layering Flower is a simple flower with the right touch of layering that gives the stamped flower dimension. I picked a muted purple family, Sugarplums, because I wanted the blues to be center stage on the card. It brings a calmness to the card with the layering of the Sea Glass, Ocean Waves and Dusk from Cool Summer Nights Fresh Dye family. 

Both the purple and blue section required three colors, or at least at the option to use three different colors. I decided to stay in the color families created by Altenew. You could do the same color on a couple of the layers for different effects.

Altenew inks are good for ink blending but they also saturate the page over time. One thing to note if you think the coverage isn’t complete wait a couple of minutes for the ink to be absorbed into the paper. I mentioned above the use of the stamp wheel to stamp a second time. I only do this when I see big missing spots. If the spots are small, I take into consideration how the ink will react on the paper.

To create the coloring on the sentiment, I used white cardstock and covered it with Dusk ink. You can use this technique if you don’t have the matching card stock. The sentiment pulls from the Dusk color on both flowers. I used Altenew Brushed Silver Metallic cardstock for the background cut out. 

I glued the Dainty Bloom outline directly to the card base. Then added Instant Dimension Foam to the flowers. To add a little more dimension, I put a little thicker foam tape to the “thank you” sentiment. This gives it a little more pop when you have the card in your hand.

I hope you enjoyed my details of making this card. Part of my love of this craft is the different emotions color can give a person. Just think of what colors you could use to elicit different feelings!

Materials Used:

Altenew Products:

Build-A-Flower: Columbine

Timeless Sentiments Die Set

Dainty Blooms Cover Die

Fresh Dye Ink: Pale Mauve, Amethyst, Grape Agate, Sea Glass, Ocean Waves, Dusk, Espresso, and Maple Yellow

Brushed Silver Metallic Card Stock

Stamp Wheel (Original)

Instant Dimension Foam Tape

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Neenah Classic Crest 80 lb. and 110 lb. Card Stock

Barely Art Glue

Anna Griffin Empress Elite