Making a Greeting Card

Blended card making with Simon Hurley and Emerald Creek.

with Simon Hurley and Emerald Creek Products

card front

Working with products from Simon Hurley makes card making feel effortless. His ink colors blend beautifully, creating smooth transitions and eye-catching effects. Add a spritz of Solar Spray, and you instantly elevate your design with an extra layer of shimmer and texture—it’s a quick way to make your cards stand out.

sentiment

Follow along in the video below to learn a quick and easy fix for those moments when your stamping doesn’t turn out quite as planned.

Video Tutorial:

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates
AZ – Amazon, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook, O – Other
Craft Brushes
Craft Brushes
Shop at:
AZ
Emerald Creek
Emerald Creek
Shop at:
O
Gina K foam tape
Gina K foam tape
Shop at:
AZ | SSS | SB
Glassboard
Glassboard
Shop at:
AZ | O
HP Paper
HP Paper
Shop at:
AZ
Ranger Heat Tool
Ranger Heat Tool
Shop at:
AZ
Scrapbook Scissors
Scrapbook Scissors
Shop at:
SB
Solar Spray
Solar Spray
Shop at:
AZ

Vintage Botanical Cards

I’m excited to share this free printable vintage-inspired botanical illustration with you all!

Freebie Friday

Botanical illustrations have long blended science and art, capturing the beauty of flora with intricate detail. This set of nine floral arrangements celebrates that tradition and can be easily cut into individual cards—perfect for adding a vintage botanical touch to your paper crafting projects.

The PDF file is available here: [flowercards PDF]

printer

My go-to printer brand for years has been HP. I also use their ink supply service where I pay a monthly fee and they send me ink cartridges as needed. It comes out to be a lot less money this way. The HP Envy Inspire is a great-priced machine that will produce beautiful prints.

paper

If you are looking for a great crafting-weight paper for printables, I have been using HP Project Paper. It is heavier than copier paper but not quite as heavy as cardstock. It is a great medium weight for layering, folding, and more!

Create-it Link Party #400

Creative talents are shared each week at Create-it Link Party, come join the fun!

Qui jars are great for repurposing. See how Steph Creates Things altered them and then uses them for decor. This is a great recycling project.

Weekly Features are now being shared in the Pinterest Create-it Link Party Board. You can see them all here: [Create-it Link Party on Pinterest]

On to the Party

This is a great opportunity to showcase your latest blog post, recipe, craft tutorial, or any other creative project you’ve been working on! We love seeing the incredible ideas from our community.

To keep things fun and organized, we have a few simple rules to ensure the party runs smoothly. Happy sharing! 

Here are a few simple rules:

  • Link to a specific post, not your homepage.
  • Link up something YOU made/wrote/created.
  • Giveaways, other link parties, or business links are not accepted.​​
  • Don’t link and run. Try to visit at least one link and show them some love. You may make a new friend.​ 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Sparkle Tag Tutorial

Sparkling results in this week’s tag tutorial.

finished tag

This week’s tag began with a few material choices and a desire to use these sparkle film flowers, though I didn’t have a clear plan in mind. I leaned on a few of my go-to techniques, and the final result turned out to be a pleasant surprise.

How to make the foil flowers: https://youtu.be/zc25mMnvo4c

Video Tutorial:

center

Materials:

Links are Affiliates
AZ – Amazon, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook, O – Other
Buttons Galore and More use Janet10 for a discount
Buttons Galore and More use Janet10 for a discount
Shop at:
AZ
Cut Cardstock
Cut Cardstock
Shop at:
O
Deco Foil
Deco Foil
Shop at:
AZ
Distress Ink Bundle
Distress Ink Bundle
Shop at:
AZ | SB
Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree
Shop at:
O
Gina K foam tape
Gina K foam tape
Shop at:
AZ | SSS | SB
Glassboard
Glassboard
Shop at:
AZ | O
Glue Bottles
Glue Bottles
Shop at:
AZ
HP Paper
HP Paper
Shop at:
AZ
Mod Podge - matte
Mod Podge – matte
Shop at:
AZ | SB | O
Non-Stick Scissors
Non-Stick Scissors
Shop at:
AZ
Ranger Heat Tool
Ranger Heat Tool
Shop at:
AZ
Reptile Glue
Reptile Glue
Shop at:
AZ

The result truly sparkles and features a rich mix of visual textures that draw the eye and invite a closer look.

4th Card Fronts

https://tryit-likeit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/4thcardfronts.pdf


These patriotic designs are perfect for card making, but their versatility makes them great for all kinds of paper crafting—think tags, journal pages, scrapbook embellishments, and more!

The PDF file is available here as a zipped file that contains both pages: [4th Card Front PDF]

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image.jpeg

My go-to printer brand for years has been HP. I also use their ink supply service where I pay a monthly fee and they send me ink cartridges as needed. It comes out to be a lot less money this way. The HP Envy Inspire is a great-priced machine that will produce beautiful prints.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 71+gWCPnMHL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

If you are looking for a great crafting-weight paper for printables, I have been using HP Project Paper. It is heavier than copier paper but not quite as heavy as cardstock. It is a great medium weight for layering, folding, and more!

Blog Hop:

This month’s free printable blog hop features the theme 4th of July. Take a moment to enjoy and visit the following posts.

4th of July Activity Pagehttps://www.artsyfartsymama.com/2024/06/4th-july-activity-page.html
Fourth of July Card Frontshttps://tryit-likeit.com/4th-card-fronts/
Fourth of July Color by Numberhttps://www.thebensonstreet.com/4th-of-july-color-by-number/
Fourth of July Coloring Pageshttps://creativelybeth.com/four-hand-drawn-patriotic-printables-for-the-fourth-of-july/

Summer Clip Art

Get ready for summer with this free printable clip art—perfect for all your paper crafting projects!

summer clip art

This free summer-themed clip art printable is just what you need for your next paper crafting project. Just download, print, and cut them out for quick and easy embellishments that bring a bit of summer into your crafting.

The PDF file is available here: [Summer PDF]

printer

My go-to printer brand for years has been HP. I also use their ink supply service where I pay a monthly fee and they send me ink cartridges as needed. It comes out to be a lot less money this way. The HP Envy Inspire is a great-priced machine that will produce beautiful prints.

paper

If you are looking for a great crafting-weight paper for printables, I have been using HP Project Paper. It is heavier than copier paper but not quite as heavy as cardstock. It is a great medium weight for layering, folding, and more!

Free Baby Shower SVGs

Grab a free Baby Shower themed SVG.

Trimester Chart

baby tote trimesters chart

What a fun way to track progress toward your expected due date! This SVG trimester chart can be added to a variety of blanks—like totes, shirts, or journals—making it a perfect gift for yourself or someone expecting. Fill the grid with milestone dates, doctor visits, or memorable moments of the expectant mom.

Grab the free SVG file here: [Trimester SVG]

what tools

Not sure what Cricut tools you need or should use? Check out this post – What tools to Buy.

Need to know about the different vinyl products available? You can learn all about it at About Cricut Vinyl.

Cricut mats

Are you confused about the different colors of mats? This article will clear it all up for you.  Which Mat Do I Use?

SVG Hop Images:

collage of images

My fellow SVG creators are joining me in a fun hop featuring baby shower-themed SVG files! Each design is free to download and perfect for adding a special touch to your projects. Explore the variety below and get inspired!

Artsy-Fartsy MamaBaby First Year Milestone Sethttps://www.artsyfartsymama.com/2025/06/babys-first-year-milestone-set.html
Crafting in the RainPillow Boxhttps://craftingintherain.com/baby-shower-pillow-box-svg/
Crafting OverloadLittle Peanuthttps://craftingoverload.com/2025/06/20/free-baby-shower-cut-files/
Dinosaur MamaBaby Clothesline Box Cardhttps://dinosaurmama.com/post/free-baby-shower-card-svg/
Harper N CoDiaper Loading Please Waithttps://harpernco.com/free-baby-shower-svg-cut-files/
Hello Creative FamilyHi I’m New Here SVGhttps://hellocreativefamily.com/free-baby-shower-svg-files
Kiy’s Craftroom“It’s a” Cupcake Toppershttps://kiyscraftroom.com/blog/uncategorized/baby-shower-gender-reveal/
Main Road Digital CreationsSubway Arthttps://mainroaddigitalcreations.com/free-baby-subway-art-svg/
Sunshine and MunchkinsWelcome Baby Cupcake Topperhttps://sunshineandmunchkins.com/free-welcome-baby-cupcake-topper-svg/
The Crafty Blog StalkerHoly Cow I’m Cutehttps://thecraftyblogstalker.com/diy-baby-onesie-holy-cow-im-cute/
The Girl CreativeJust Moved Out of Mom’s Placehttps://www.thegirlcreative.com/cute-and-easy-to-cut-free-baby-shower-svgs/
The Quiet GroveChocolate Baby Rattleshttps://thequietgrove.com/free-chocolate-baby-rattle-svg-cut-file/
Try It – Like It – Create ItTrimester Charthttps://tryit-likeit.com/free-baby-shower-svgs/
We Can Make ThatWorld’s Cutest Alarm Clockhttps://wecanmakethat.me/cricut-baby-gift-ideas
Wispy Willow DesignsI Drink Until I Pass Outhttps://www.wispywillowdesignsco.com/blogs/news/free-funny-baby-shower-gift-svg-and-diy-cricut-tutorial

Create-it Link Party #399

Share your creative talent with Create-it Link Party.

These Graduation Gift Jars from Two Chicks and a Mom are a brilliant gift idea. I might just need to keep a few of these jars on hand for last minute gift giving. They could be personalized with paint, stickers, or washi tape.

Weekly Features are now being shared in the Pinterest Create-it Link Party Board. You can see them all here: [Create-it Link Party on Pinterest]

On to the Party

This is a great opportunity to showcase your latest blog post, recipe, craft tutorial, or any other creative project you’ve been working on! We love seeing the incredible ideas from our community.

To keep things fun and organized, we have a few simple rules to ensure the party runs smoothly. Happy sharing! 

Here are a few simple rules:

  • Link to a specific post, not your homepage.
  • Link up something YOU made/wrote/created.
  • Giveaways, other link parties, or business links are not accepted.​​
  • Don’t link and run. Try to visit at least one link and show them some love. You may make a new friend.​ 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Crochet the National Parks

Bring the beauty of the National Parks to your hooks with 20 inspired patterns from Crocheting the National Parks by Krista Ann!

book cover

The beauty of the National Parks comes to life through yarn in Crocheting the National Parks by Krista Ann. This inspiring collection features 20 patterns that capture the essence of the parks in accessories, home décor, plushies, and more. With step-by-step tutorials and thoughtful designs, it’s a must-have for nature lovers and crochet enthusiasts alike.

Krista

Krista Ann is a professional crocheter, knitter, and world traveler. Krista has professionally knit (and crocheted) pieces that have appeared in many major television shows and movies, including Hocus Pocus 2The Mindy ProjectStranger Things, and Annabelle Comes Home. You can follow her adventures across the USA on Instagram @explorewithknitsy.

Crochet the National Parks is available on Amazon
Paperback 144 Pages
Size 8.50 in x 11.00 in
Published Date May 20th, 2025

Video Walk Through:

Using Sizzix Studio

Mixed Media Tag with Sizzix and Cat Kerr.

materials

This week I’m diving into mixed media by combining Sizzix Studio products with the rich, creamy colors of Gelatos to create a vibrant handmade tag. I started with a blank white tag, then layered on color using Gelatos.

finished tag

The textures and dimension came alive using stenciling and stamping. It’s a playful, colorful piece that showcases how well these materials work together for mixed media crafting.

Video Tutorial:

close up image

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates AZ – Amazon, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook, O – Other
Craft Brushes
Craft Brushes
Shop at:
AZ
Finger Daubers
Finger Daubers
Shop at:
AZ
Gelatos
Gelatos
Shop at:
AZ | O
Glassboard
Glassboard
Shop at:
AZ | O
Grid Sheets
Grid Sheets
Shop at:
AZ
HP Paper
HP Paper
Shop at:
AZ
Ranger Archilval Ink
Ranger Archilval Ink
Shop at:
AZ
Sizzix Stamping Platform
Sizzix Stamping Platform
Shop at:
AZ