My Unbelievable Friend: Going Viral

The newest Sweet November Stamps digital release is here and it is absolutely making waves! The new “My Unbelievable Friend” collection is filled with adorable mermaids and their besties, perfect for creating fun summer scenes and friendship themed cards.

For today’s card, I used the sweet “My Unbelievable Friend: Going Viral” digital image. I paired the girls with the fabulous “Mermaid Rock” digital set to create a relaxing seaside scene where these two friends are clearly capturing the perfect selfie moment together.

I colored the entire scene using my Copic Markers, blending lots of vibrant ocean inspired tones for the mermaid tails and soft sandy neutrals for the rocky shoreline. I love how expressive these characters are and how easy they are to build into a complete story card. The flowing hair and shimmering tails were especially fun to color!

To finish the design, I kept the layout simple so the detailed image could really shine. Sometimes a beautifully colored scene is all you need.

The new “My Unbelievable Friend” collection is available now in the Sweet November Stamps shop. Perfect for summer cards, friendship cards and all your mermaid loving crafty projects!

Have a great weekend!

~ Ally ~ 

Seahorses & Ocean Waves 💙

The new Catherine Pooler Designs “Ocean Wonders” collection is making waves and I am completely smitten with all the seaside inspiration! Today’s card combines soft ocean tones, layered waves and the sweetest pair of seahorses for a clean and elegant design.

For the focal point, I started by stamping and die cutting the adorable seahorses from the “Seahorses on Parade” stamp set. I used Quartz and Pink Champagne inks to create a soft tone-on-tone effect that gives them a delicate underwater feel.

To create the subtle background texture on the card base, I used the “Jellyfish Dance Layered Stencil” with the brand new Oyster Ink. I love how this stencil can be used in multiple ways! I also used portions of the stencil to add extra wave details to my layered ocean pieces.

The waves themselves were created using the “Melon Edge Die” and layered together with vellum, Juniper Mist, and Stone Blue cardstock. Once layered, I die cut the entire scene with a heart die to frame the sweet little seahorses together in their underwater world.

To finish the card, I added a simple sentiment from the “Beautiful Seas Sentiments” stamp set using Juniper Mist Ink.

I absolutely love how soft and peaceful this card turned out — the layered waves and muted ocean palette make it feel so dreamy!

Thanks so much for stopping by today! 🌊

~ Ally ~ 

Beachy Love with the New Ocean Wonders Release!

The brand new Catherine Pooler Designs release, “Ocean Wonders,” is almost here and it is packed with all kinds of seaside goodness! From shells and sea creatures to beachy sentiments and ocean-inspired textures, this collection is perfect for summertime crafting.

For today’s card, I reached for the beautiful “Beach Comber” stamps and dies to create this soft and playful ocean-inspired design. I stamped and die cut several shells using a cheerful blend of Lemon Sorbet, Creamsicle and Bellini inks along with pops of Sweetheart and Pucker Up for those bright pink tones. I absolutely love how these colors bring the shells to life!

 

To create the background, I used the tiny “sand” image from the stamp set and repeatedly stamped it using Midnight ink along with the gorgeous new Oyster ink. This added the perfect subtle beachy texture without overpowering the focal elements.

I also added some Lemon Sorbet bubbles from the new "Jellyfish Dance Layered Stencils". I used just one of the 3 cool layers of this set of 3 stencils.

The bold sentiment was created using the new Layered Love Word Die. I die cut the word from black cardstock and added a vellum outline behind it to help it stand out while still keeping the overall design light and airy.

To finish everything off, I splattered the panel with the beautiful new Pearl Shimmer for that perfect touch of sparkle and ocean magic.

The Ocean Wonders release is available for StampNation members today, and the full collection goes live for everyone tomorrow at 9am EST!

Happy crafting!

~ Ally ~ 

Lottie Love ~ Sweet November Stamps

Today I’m sharing a sweet and simple card featuring the absolutely adorable “Lottie Love” clear stamp from Sweet November Stamps. Isn’t she just the cutest with her big bright eyes and that oversized heart sweater? She completely steals the show!

I colored Lottie with my Copic markers, keeping the palette fun and cheerful with bold reds and bright greens. I love how her vibrant outfit pops against the softer pink heart background. Her rosy cheeks and shiny auburn hair really bring her to life — she just looks like she’s ready to deliver a little love and happiness.

For the background, I decided to create my own patterned paper directly on the card base using the “Year Round Post Marks” stamp set. I stamped the postmarks in a mix of fun, colorful inks to coordinate with Lottie’s outfit. I love how the layered hearts and postal details add movement and interest without overwhelming the focal image. It’s such an easy way to customize your background and make it perfectly match your card design!

Behind Lottie, I layered a heart-patterned panel to anchor the design and keep the Valentine vibe going strong. To finish things off, I chose a sentiment from the “SN Guy and Gal: Eric & Nadine” stamp set. The simple “I smile because of you” fits Lottie perfectly and pairs beautifully with the large stitched heart die cut.

This card would be perfect for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or just a sweet “thinking of you” surprise. Sometimes a handmade card is the best way to tell someone they make you smile.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope this card inspires you to mix and match your Sweet November Stamps sets and create your own custom backgrounds.

Happy stamping! 💕

~ Ally ~ 

Fairy and a Fur-iend ~ Sweet November Stamps

Today I’m sharing a magical little scene featuring one of the brand new Sweet November Stamps digital fairies — Magpie Cloverwood! She’s part of a trio of enchanting new fairies being released alongside Gracie Greenglade and Whimsy Heathersong. Each of these beauties comes with and without wings, giving you so much flexibility to create fairy-filled scenes… or simply sweet woodland girls without the fantasy twist!

For my card, I kept Magpie’s wings and created a glowing green forest setting for her to explore. I colored her up with Copic markers in rich purples and warm oranges, then added soft leafy details and light bokeh effects to bring that magical forest glow to life.

To make the scene even more whimsical, I perched Magpie right on top of another adorable Sweet November digi — Durango the Cattledog. His big, soulful eyes peeking up from below add such personality and charm to the card. I love how the mix of fairy magic and furry friend creates a story without needing any words at all.

I decided to leave off a sentiment this time so this card can be used for anything — birthday, encouragement, thinking of you, or just a little happy mail surprise. Sometimes the artwork tells the whole story!

Be sure to check out all three of the new fairies in this release — I can’t wait to see whether you use them with wings, without wings, or maybe even mix and match for your own magical adventures!

Happy crafting! ✨

~ Ally ~ 

Postage Pals: My Valentine 💌💕 ~ Sweet November Stamps

Today I’m sharing the sweetest little Valentine card featuring the brand new “Postage Pals: My Valentine” stamp set from Sweet November Stamps — and oh my goodness, these tiny cherubs completely stole my heart!

This set is full of adorable little cupids along with the cutest love-bugs, making it perfect for Valentine’s Day cards for anyone you love.

Postage-Style Layout

I decided to use my postage stamp die from Waffle Flower to create that fun multi-window layout. I love how it divides the card into little “mini scenes,” almost like a sheet of stamps ready to be mailed. It’s such a great way to showcase multiple images from one stamp set!

I mixed and matched several of the sweet cherubs along with the adorable love-bugs to create a playful Valentine collage.

Quick & Easy Backgrounds

To add soft color behind each image, I used my Copic Airbrush system. Once everything was masked off, it was so quick and easy to spray in that beautiful blue sky for each little window. I love how the airbrushed backgrounds make the images pop while keeping the overall design clean and cohesive.

Each image was colored with Copics, keeping the palette soft and classic for Valentine’s Day — pinks, reds and warm neutrals with touches of minty green for the wings.

Sent with Love

This card was extra special because I sent it to my sister and her family for Valentine’s Day this year. I love creating handmade cards for family — especially when they feature sweet little characters like these cherubs spreading love everywhere they go. 💕

The Postage Pals: My Valentine set is such a darling addition to the Postage Pals collection, and it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or just sending a little love anytime.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! 💌 Let me know — which cherub is your favorite?

~ Ally ~ 

SN Guy & Gal: Eric and Nadine – Joyfold Style Card ~ Sweet November Stamps

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!! Today I’m sharing a card featuring the brand new SN Guy & Gal: Eric and Nadine stamp set from Sweet November Stamps — and I absolutely love these two together! 💕

Eric and Nadine have such a sweet, storybook feel to them. I decided to create a fun Joyfold card design — a mini card tucked inside a larger one — to add a little interactive surprise. Nadine flips open to the right, revealing a hidden message on the inside. I always love adding that unexpected element to my cards… it makes them feel extra special!

Coloring Details

Both images were colored with Copic Markers. I kept Eric in classic casual tones with soft greens and denim blues, while Nadine’s dress has a gentle lavender hue to complement the florals she’s holding. I added subtle shading and warm skin tones to give them depth and dimension while keeping the overall look soft and romantic.

Patterned Paper Love

For the background, I used the beautiful “Gardner’s Notebook” patterned paper from Catherine Pooler Designs. The leafy print pairs perfectly with the bouquet Nadine is holding, and I love how the soft mint tones make the characters pop. The striped paper on the inner panel adds a playful contrast and frames the mini card perfectly.

Joyfold Design

The Joyfold style is such a fun format to work with! The smaller front panel opens first, and then the larger card opens to reveal the full inside sentiment. It’s like a card within a card — perfect for highlighting a sweet couple like Eric and Nadine.

Nadine’s panel flips out to the right, making her the star of the interactive feature. It’s a simple mechanism, but it adds so much charm and interest to the design.

This stamp set is perfect for anniversary cards, Valentine’s Day, weddings, or just celebrating love in everyday moments. I can’t wait to create more scenes with these two!

Thanks so much for stopping by today — I hope this inspires you to try a Joyfold card with your next Sweet November Stamps project!

Happy crafting!
~ Ally ~💛

Sweet November ~ Love You Forever!

There is just something so heart-melting about this sweet couple from the “Love You Forever” stamp set from Sweet November Stamps. Their gentle smiles and hand-holding moment instantly tell a story of a lifetime of love — and I couldn’t resist creating a cozy little scene around them.

To set the stage, I paired them with the “Spring Windows” stamp set to create that charming brick wall and window backdrop. I love how this set makes it so easy to build an environment that feels warm and lived-in. I added a flower box full of blooms and even a curious little kitty peeking out the window for an extra touch of personality!

For the background, I reached for my Copic Airbrush System to quickly blend in smooth color. It’s such a fast and effective way to build depth and atmosphere without overworking the paper. The soft sky tones in the window and the warm brick wall really help the sweet couple stand out as the focal point.

Everything was colored with Copic Markers, and I had so much fun adding little details like rosy cheeks, subtle shading in their clothing, and a bit of grass texture beneath the bench to ground the scene. That tiny blue bird perched nearby just finishes the card perfectly — a sweet symbol of happiness and companionship.

The sentiment says it all:

“I love you more today than yesterday, but not as much as tomorrow.”

Isn’t that just the most beautiful way to describe a lifelong love?

This card would be perfect for an anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or even just a special reminder to someone you love. Sweet November Stamps always has a way of capturing heartfelt moments so perfectly.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! 💕

~ Ally ~ 

Sweet November Stamps ~ Scrappy & Sulky in Love

This card had me smiling the entire time I was creating it—and honestly, that’s exactly what the new Scrappy and Sulky Valentine digital release from Sweet November Stamps is all about.

As Amy perfectly described it, this release leans a little more tongue-in-cheek, featuring the hilarious dynamic of a grumpy cat paired with his wildly enthusiastic puppy sidekick. The three scenes—Heart Attack, Kisses, and Snuggle Time—each tell their own mini story, and I couldn’t resist showcasing more than one of them on a single card.

I designed this card like a set of postage-style panels, letting each scene shine on its own while still feeling cohesive as a whole. The puppy’s over-the-top affection paired with the cat’s less-than-impressed reactions cracks me up every time I look at it. Whether it’s surprise kisses, forced snuggles, or an explosion of love, these images are guaranteed to bring a smile to whoever receives your card.

All of the images were colored with Copic markers, keeping the focus on the expressive faces and playful body language. I added a soft glow around each scene to help them pop against the clean white background, and finished everything off with a bold purple frame for a fun Valentine-ready touch.

The simple sentiment, “love you friend!”, felt like the perfect fit—sweet, casual, and ideal for celebrating friendships (especially the kind that lovingly tolerate a little chaos).

If you’re looking for Valentine images that are cute, funny, and full of personality, the Scrappy and Sulky Valentine digital stamps are an absolute must-have. They’re perfect for friendship cards, lighthearted love notes, and anyone who appreciates humor with their hearts.

~ Ally ~

Sweet November Stamps ~ A Little Love Note

Today I’m sharing a sweet and cheerful card featuring one of the four brand-new digital Love Letters characters from Sweet November Stamps. This cutie is Maddie, and she’s delivering a heartfelt note in the most charming way possible!

To build my scene, I paired Maddie with the adorable puppy holding letters from the Happy Mail digital stamp set. I just couldn’t resist the idea of this little pup helping deliver love notes — it adds such a playful and storybook feel to the card. A few leafy tree images help frame the scene and give it a peaceful, outdoor setting that feels perfect for a sweet surprise letter.

All of the images were colored with Copic Markers, using soft greens for the grass and trees and warm, happy tones for Maddie and her outfit. I kept the background light and airy so the characters really stand out while still feeling cohesive and whimsical.

For the sentiment, I chose “Just a little love note…”, which ties the whole scene together perfectly. This card would be ideal for sending a quick note to a friend, tucking into happy mail, or even leaving as a surprise for someone special.

I absolutely love how these new Love Letters characters can mix and match with other Sweet November Stamps images to create little moments like this. They’re full of personality and so fun to bring to life with color!

Thanks so much for stopping by today — I hope this card inspires you to send a little love note of your own 💕

~ Ally ~ 

Catherine Pooler ~ With Love X's

Today’s card is all about clean design, bright colors, and a touch of floral charm using the Catherine Pooler Designs With Love stamp, die, and coordinating stencil set.

I started by creating a playful strip down the right-hand side of my card using Midnight ink and a stamp from the Absolute Favorite Floral stamp set. This subtle pattern adds just the right amount of texture without overpowering the design.

Next, I stamped the floral images, stencilled and die cut the gorgeous blooms from the With Love set using a vibrant palette of Sparkling Berry, Orange Peel, Serene, and Honeycomb inks. I love how these colors pop against the crisp white background! After die-cutting the flowers, I layered them over the X's strip for a balanced focal point.

The sentiment — “With Love” — is also from the With Love stamp set, and I love that the coordinating die set includes dies for all the sentiments too, making it easy to add that final touch.

A few scattered stars and small flowers complete the design for a card that’s sweet, simple, and ready to brighten someone’s day.

You can find the With Love bundle and all the inks I used over at Catherine Pooler Designs.

Have a great weekend!

~ Ally ~ 

Sweet November Stamps ~ Hey Gull-friend!

Today I’m sharing a fun and whimsical card I created for my May card swap penpal using the adorable digital stamp “Love to Sea You: Gull Friends” from Sweet November Stamps. This scene totally made me smile as I imagined this mermaid having a seaside chat with her feathered companions!

To bring the scene to life, I colored everything using Copic Markers, adding vibrant greens and pinks to my mermaid’s flowing hair and tail. To help set the rocky shoreline scene, I also incorporated the sea boulder image from the “Dock on the Bay” clear stamp set.

With a bright sky, rolling waves, and some cheeky gulls flying by, this card feels like a sunny escape to the coast—and I hope it brings a little bit of that magic to my penpal’s mailbox too!

Thanks for stopping by today… and hey, gull-friend, don’t forget to share a little handmade happiness! 🐚🪸🌊

~ Ally ~

Sweet November Stamps ~ Get the Cluck Out of Here!

Hey crafty friends!  Happy Saturday all!

I’m back with another card that totally cracks me up—this time featuring the egg-cellent Bountiful Blessings: Good Egg clear stamp set from Sweet November Stamps. 🐣🐓

I absolutely love this set—not just for the charming farmer girl and her feathery friends, but for the hilarious and heartwarming sentiments included. I mean, how could I resist using “Get the cluck out of here!”? 😂 It’s perfect for anyone who needs a little chuckle in their day!

For this card, I stamped out the full barnyard scene, including the red coop, chickens, chicks, and the star of the show—our hardworking farm girl with her egg basket in hand. Everything was colored with Copic markers, and I had a blast layering shades to give those chickens real personality. The rustic background came together with warm tones and a little playfulness, making it feel like a sunny morning on the farm.

If you’re looking for a versatile set full of character (and characters), Bountiful Blessings: Good Egg is a must-have. Whether you want to make someone laugh or just send a little country charm, this stamp set does it all.

Thanks for stopping by and clucking around with me today! 🥚🐔

Big hugs,

~ Ally ~

Sweet November Stamps ~ Today You Shine!

Hello crafty friends and Happy Hump Day!

I’m excited to share a magical new card today featuring some adorable goodies from Sweet November Stamps. This project was such a joy to create—especially with the star of the show: the May Emerald Dragon from the new monthly Dragon stamp series!

This sweet little red dragon has found a dazzling treasure, and I wanted to create a cozy cave scene for him to call home. I used the Cave Dwellings Background Builder clear stamp set to build out the cave entrance, which opens up to a peaceful view of a river and lush trees in the background. The perspective and detail in these stamps made it easy (and fun!) to bring this scene to life.

To color everything, I reached for my trusty Copic markers. I had so much fun adding shading and highlights to make the dragon pop—especially that shimmering gem he's holding! I love how vibrant and cheerful he turned out.

The sentiment, “Today, you shine.”, is included with the May Emerald Dragon set, and it felt like the perfect finishing touch. Not only does it fit the theme of the sparkling diamond, but it’s also a sweet reminder that we all have our own unique sparkle.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope this little dragon brings a smile to your face like he did to mine.

Until next time, happy crafting!

~ Ally ~

Crafty Meraki ~ Best Friends FUR-ever!

Hey crafty friends!  Happy Monday!

Today I’m swinging by to share a bright and playful card made with some of the newest releases from Crafty Meraki—the "Timeless Frames Dies" and the absolutely a-peel-ing "True Chimpion" stamp set and coordinating dies! 🐵

I had such a blast creating this layered jungle scene. I used several of the Timeless Frames to build up a fun and dimensional background in a tropical mix of vibrant greens. These dies are so versatile and nest beautifully for a clean but detailed look!

The adorable monkeys from the True Chimpion set were colored with Copic Markers, and I couldn’t resist scattering them around the card—some hanging, some sitting, and all being their cheeky little selves! I added a bit of jungle flair with bananas, leaves, and a palm tree to tie it all together.

The background was blended using Ranger Distress Oxide inks, then finished off with a subtle splatter of metallic gold ink for a touch of sparkle and shine.

And of course, I had to include that punny sentiment—“Best friends FUR-EVER”—because these monkeys definitely bring the smiles! 🥰

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope this card brings a little sunshine and mischief to your day!

Big hugs,

~ Ally ~

Sweet November Stamps ~ You're a Ray of Light!

Hello crafty friends!  Happy Wednesday!

I’m so excited to share this bright and whimsical card featuring the brand new “Take Flight” clear stamp set from Sweet November Stamps! If you’re a fan of cute critters and interactive cards, this one’s going to flutter right into your heart. 🦋

The star of the show is this sweet little butterfly—colored with Copic Markers in a rainbow of happy hues. To bring it to life, I attached it to the card with a Mini Action Wobbler, so it wiggles and bounces just like it’s taking off in flight! It adds such a fun and playful touch to the design—perfect for making someone smile.

The background was built with a softly inked forest scene from the new "Cave Dwelling: Background Builder" stamp set, giving that magical feel of being deep in nature, while the striped rainbow panel adds a pop of bold, cheerful color. I framed the whole scene in a rounded rectangle die to keep everything soft and flowing.

To finish it off, I stamped the sentiment “You’re a ray of light” sentiment also from the "Cave Dwelling: Background Builder" stamp set right onto the background—because this little butterfly totally is! 🥰

Whether you're sending encouragement, joy, or just a bit of handmade sunshine, this card is sure to brighten someone's day.

Thanks so much for fluttering by!
Hugs,

~ Ally ~

Sweet November Stamps ~ Swing into Spring *PRIZE*

It’s time to hop into some magical fun with Sweet November Stamps’ Swing Into Spring Insta-Hop! 

I’m so excited to share my card featuring the absolutely adorable May Emerald Dragon from the brand new clear stamp release! 🐉💚

To create this whimsical scene, I paired our little dragon friend with the Horizon Lines: Spring in Bloom set and added a royal touch using the castle from Horizon Lines: Seaside Cliffs. Everything came to life with my beloved Copic markers!

💬 Don’t forget — this hop includes a giveaway for the entire release! Be sure to: ✔️ Like ✔️ Comment ✔️ Follow each participant

📅 The fun runs from Saturday, April 12th through Tuesday, April 15th — so don’t miss your chance to win!

🕗 Hop starts at: 8 AM PDT | 9 AM MDT | 10 AM CDT | 11 AM EDT | 4 PM BST | 5 PM CEST

Check out all the inspiration and join the hop over on Instagram! 💖

START HERE:
@i_card_so_hard

Hope you'll come and hop along!

~ Ally ~