Hello & welcome to this week's Just Add Ink Challenges Design Team share. This week is a sketch with really easy elements and possibilities. The circle element reminded me of another favourite fun fold card with a surprise inside so I used a new ...
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"colour me happy" - 5 new articles

  1. JAI 758 sketch challenge Peaceful View flip window fun fold
  2. JAI 756 Just add a belly band - Gatefold pop up surprise card
  3. JAI 754 Choose Two challenge - Frames and Flowers card set
  4. JAI 752 inspiration challenge - Notes & Totes birthday flowers
  5. JAI 750 colour challenge - Impressions Abloom warm wishes
  6. More Recent Articles

JAI 758 sketch challenge Peaceful View flip window fun fold


Hello & welcome to this week's Just Add Ink Challenges Design Team share. This week is a sketch with really easy elements and possibilities. The circle element reminded me of another favourite fun fold card with a surprise inside so I used a new background (card sized) stamp called Peaceful View as the basis for my card, turning the sketch upside down to fit the focal area I wanted. Here's how it turned out.

 Pop up window column card fun fold card by Diane Barnes using Stampin Up Peaceful View stamp set, Full of Life paper, Stylish Shapes dies. Made by Diane Barnes - colourmehappy - Independent Demonstrator in Australia - cardmaking - stamping - die cutting - fun fold cards - fancy fold cards

So how did it come together? I started with a piece of my fave Full of Life patterned paper with a gorgeous colour gradation. I used my Stamparatus to stamp the Peaceful View image in Secret Sea ink to ensure a clean image. 

I also added a little extra colour using Melon Mambo, Lemon Lime Twist and Summer Splash ink to balance the deep image.

 Pop up window column card fun fold card by Diane Barnes using Stampin Up Peaceful View stamp set, Full of Life paper, Stylish Shapes dies. Made by Diane Barnes - colourmehappy - Independent Demonstrator in Australia - cardmaking - stamping - die cutting - fun fold cards - fancy fold cards
 
I cut my circle (using two of the Stylish Shapes stitched dies) where I wanted the focal point to be, and completely clear heat embossed the circle cutout to help differentiate it from the circle. It's hard to see in the pics but is very glossy in real life.

The retired Subtle embossing folder adds texture to the rectangle piece. I cut the circle from the white cardstock layer and Secret Sea base.

The sentiment is from Everyday Greetings which I've just realised is now retired. It's a companion set to Greetings of the Season which is discounted on the Last Chance list as of now. The dies are all from Stylish Shapes too.

So what's the surprise?
 The circle is attached to a column inside the card.

Pop up window column card fun fold card by Diane Barnes using Stampin Up Peaceful View stamp set, Full of Life paper, Stylish Shapes dies. Made by Diane Barnes - colourmehappy - Independent Demonstrator in Australia - cardmaking - stamping - die cutting - fun fold cards - fancy fold cards

I first saw this fold on this card by Melissa Faust, which she calls a flippy fun fold. I tend to think of it as a pop up window column card. Either way I loved that it was easy and gives a real wow. I adapted the sizing for A4 card, and used this fold for my Country Woods class (I don't think I've shared the cards here yet).

Inside I used another piece of the same paper I used on the front plus a little off-cut of the stamped image, and matted it onto a piece of Bubble Bath cardstock. It does look like white in the pics as the light was terrible the day I took the pics. The circle is adhered to the column piece.

Pop up window column card fun fold card by Diane Barnes using Stampin Up Peaceful View stamp set, Full of Life paper, Stylish Shapes dies. Made by Diane Barnes - colourmehappy - Independent Demonstrator in Australia - cardmaking - stamping - die cutting - fun fold cards - fancy fold cards

So that's my sketch challenge project. I hope it gives you some ideas to try. if you have any questions, about the project or supplies, just leave a comment. Head to the Just Add Ink blog to see lots more inspiration for the challenge.
 
You'll find a full supply list for all available items here in my Stampin' Up! store.

Until next time, happy stamping.
Diane
 
Pop up window column card fun fold card by Diane Barnes using Stampin Up Peaceful View stamp set, Full of Life paper, Stylish Shapes dies. Made by Diane Barnes - colourmehappy - Independent Demonstrator in Australia - cardmaking - stamping - die cutting - fun fold cards - fancy fold cards

NEW 2025-2026 ANNUAL CATALOGUE
6 May 2025 - 30 April 2026
Purchase $35 AUD or more (ex s&h) and 10% is credited as Stampin' Rewards.
Spend them in your next order or save them up.
Opt in now in my store to join the program - and choose me as your Preferred Demonstrator too if haven't already. Find out more about Stampin' Rewards here
Great deals up to 60% on retiring products - last update 1 April 2025
New items added every two months - Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, & Dec
Only available until sold out

Stampin Up Last Chance List - Shop with Diane Barnes - Independent Demonstrator in Australia

__________

SHOP ONLINE EXCLUSIVES


Latest release - 1 July 2025
You'll find lots more products in our store than what's in our printed catalogues?
Shop online exclusives and releases in store now - available while supplies last.
New Releases - January, March, May, July, September, November
__________


Quick and easy all inclusive projects you'll love to make
New kits released every month.
Available while supplies last

   
 

JAI 756 Just add a belly band - Gatefold pop up surprise card

 
Hello & welcome to this week's Just Add Ink Challenges Design Team share, which this week is to add a belly band to a project. I chose to make a gatefold card with a pop up surprise inside, using the Beautiful Butterflies stamps (and bundle) and Everyday Skies patterned paper, and of course a belly band holding it closed. Here's how my card turned out.


From the front the card looks like a basic gatefold that opens out from the centre front. 

The base is Balmy Blue card and I used one of the Everyday Skies patterned paper designs to decorate it simply. The belly band adds most of the detail - a Balmy Blue band, & die cut banners, and a white rounded rectangle die cut (both from Nested Essentials). The sentiment is a favourite from the Birthday Celebration stamp set. It and the small butterflies are stamped with new In Color, Secret Sea.


Inside gives a beautiful butterfly pop up surprise. The pop up butterfly is stamped with Versamark, heat embossed in black, and coloured with Stampin Blends. It gives the image a lovely shine.


I kept the rest simple to keep with another two paper prints and another sentiment from Birthday Celebration.
 
  
So how does the butterfly pop out? It's attached to the front with two simple folded tabs adhered to the base at either side of the centre fold, and then to the butterfly. Here's how it looks from the top. 
 

I saw this fabulous pop up fold design last year here when Julia Quinn shared this fabulous birdhouse design on her you tube acccount. It's such a wow project and so simple to do. I loved it so much I used her design to make a version of it for my class (I realise I haven't shared that project here).

Gatefold Pop Up Surprise Template

I've created a simple template for the basic card and fold which you can use for anything you want to pop up inside. Note that the shape to be popped up must fit within the inside fold, and you can adapt the size of the tab so it's hidden behind the shape.

Download the template pdf here
, or click on the template pic to view and download.
 

So that's my Just Add a Belly Band project. I hope you'll try this pop up card or make some beautiful butterflies. Head to the Just Add Ink blog to see lots more inspiration for the challenge and play along with us there. 

You'll find a full shop-able supply list for all available items here in my Stampin' Up! store.

Until next time, happy stamping.
Diane
 

  • All available suites and suite products from the 2025–2026 Annual Catalogue and Online Exclusives are buy one, get one 50% off.
  • When you shop the sale, the 50% off discount will apply to the lower-priced item (for example, if you buy a suite collection and a stamp set from a suite, the suite would be full price, and the stamp set would be 50% off).
  •  
    NEW 2025-2026 ANNUAL CATALOGUE
    6 May 2025 - 30 April 2026
    Purchase $35 AUD or more (ex s&h) and 10% is credited as Stampin' Rewards.
    Spend them in your next order or save them up.
    Opt in now in my store to join the program - and choose me as your Preferred Demonstrator too if haven't already. Find out more about Stampin' Rewards here
    Great deals up to 60% on retiring products - last update 1 April 2025
    New items added every two months - Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, & Dec
    Only available until sold out

    Stampin Up Last Chance List - Shop with Diane Barnes - Independent Demonstrator in Australia

    __________

    SHOP ONLINE EXCLUSIVES
    Latest release - 6 May 2025
    You'll find lots more products in our store than what's in our printed catalogues?
    Shop online exclusives and releases in store now - available while supplies last.
    New Releases - January, March, May, July, September, November
    __________


    Quick and easy all inclusive projects you'll love to make
    New kits released every month.
    Available while supplies last

       
     

    JAI 754 Choose Two challenge - Frames and Flowers card set


    Set of handmade cards using Stampin' Up! Frames and Flowers Specialty paper pack, Round We Go stamp set, Simply Said Stamp set, Nested Essentials dies, Everyday Arches dies. Cards by Diane Barnes - colourmehappydi -  stampinupcards - cardmaking ideas - quickandeasycards - stamping

    Hello & welcome to my latest Just Add Ink Challenges Design Team share. This week is a Choose Two challenge, and the choices are to include a die cut, flower, or ribbon.

    The Frames and Flowers Specialty Paper pack came immediately to mind as it includes die cut flowers and foliage sheets as well as regular papers. These combined paper and die cut packs lend themselves to easy, quick cards that include lovely details, perfect for when you want to create but not from scratch. I made five cards in the time it would usually take me to make one. Here's how they turned out.

    Set of handmade cards using Stampin' Up! Frames and Flowers Specialty paper pack, Round We Go stamp set, Simply Said Stamp set, Nested Essentials dies, Everyday Arches dies. Cards by Diane Barnes - colourmehappydi -  stampinupcards - cardmaking ideas - quickandeasycards - stamping

    The Frames and Flowers pack launched last year in the 24-25 year's Annual Catalogue but somehow this was the first time I've used it. Shocking I know. In a way I'm glad now as I've discovered it teams absolutely beautifully with our brand new In Color, Cloud Cover. This a blue-ish grey colour unlike anything else in our range but really is lovely and plays well with others as you can see.

    Like some of the past sets I've made using other paper and die cut packs like this one, I find limiting other supplies helps make them quicker and easier. Here's what I used.
    • Paper: Frames and Flowers Specialty paper pack
    • Stamps: Round We Go (Happy birthday! - on the Last Chance list and now only $21) and Simply Said (all others)
    • Card: Cloud Cover, Petal Pink, Soft Sea Foam, Basic White (thick and regular)
    • Ink: Lost Lagoon
      Dies: Nested Essentials, Birthday Celebration, Everyday Arches - these were in my white scraps box, else I'd have tried to choose one die set to use.
    • Embossing Folders: Forever Plaid 3d, Mini Corrugated 3d
    • Accessories: Iridescent Pearls, 24-26 In Color Shimmer Gems (Last Chance for half price - $7.50), Iridescent glitter ribbon (retired)
    • Other: Wink of Stella on the main floral pieces

    Take a closer look at each individual card:

    Set of handmade cards using Stampin' Up! Frames and Flowers Specialty paper pack, Round We Go stamp set, Simply Said Stamp set, Nested Essentials dies, Everyday Arches dies. Cards by Diane Barnes - colourmehappydi -  stampinupcards - cardmaking ideas - quickandeasycards - stamping

    This one was my first and I think my favourite. Cloud Cover cardstock embossed with the Forever Plaid folder, wreath die cut, and individual flower die cuts. A little piece of Soft Sea Foam embossed with the Mini Corrugated folder, iridescent ribbon and pearls.

    Set of handmade cards using Stampin' Up! Frames and Flowers Specialty paper pack, Round We Go stamp set, Simply Said Stamp set, Nested Essentials dies, Everyday Arches dies. Cards by Diane Barnes - colourmehappydi -  stampinupcards - cardmaking ideas - quickandeasycards - stamping

    The leafy rectangle piece is a die cut, Lost Lagoon strip is part of a full paper sheet. Nested Essentials banner teamed with Petal Pink card on a white base.

    Set of handmade cards using Stampin' Up! Frames and Flowers Specialty paper pack, Round We Go stamp set, Simply Said Stamp set, Nested Essentials dies, Everyday Arches dies. Cards by Diane Barnes - colourmehappydi -  stampinupcards - cardmaking ideas - quickandeasycards - stamping
     
    The pretty rectangle of paper is another die cut panel. It was too small to fit the front (same size as piece on previous card) so I cut it and covered the join with more paper. The stitched die is from the Birthday Celebration set, but you could easily use one from Nested Essentials or my favourite Stylish Shapes.
     
    Set of handmade cards using Stampin' Up! Frames and Flowers Specialty paper pack, Round We Go stamp set, Simply Said Stamp set, Nested Essentials dies, Everyday Arches dies. Cards by Diane Barnes - colourmehappydi -  stampinupcards - cardmaking ideas - quickandeasycards - stamping

    The border is another die cut panel, cut to fit the card front. The strip across the join is actually a cut up part of the centre of the panel. The flower cluster is two pieces; I cut the one behind in two to make it look wider. The Everyday Arches arch for the sentiment was in my scrap box. You could easily use another stitched die.

    Set of handmade cards using Stampin' Up! Frames and Flowers Specialty paper pack, Round We Go stamp set, Simply Said Stamp set, Nested Essentials dies, Everyday Arches dies. Cards by Diane Barnes - colourmehappydi -  stampinupcards - cardmaking ideas - quickandeasycards - stamping

    The leafy die cut  had a sentiment section but I covered it so I could use the longer sentiment. This one is from Round We Go. This has just been added to the Last Chance list for just $21 and has so many great sentiments it's not to be missed.

    So that's my contribution to our Choose Two challenge. Hope you enjoyed seeing them. You'll find more inspiration and how to play along with the challenge at Just Add Ink so head there when you finish here.

    To help you get started making your own versions of my cards you'll find a full supply list for all available items here in my Stampin' Up! store.

    I have lots and lots of die cut pieces still to play with so I'm going to keep adding to this set. So if you like these ones, watch out for more.

    Until next time, happy stamping.
    Diane
     
     
    More about the main supplies

    Take a closer look at the designs in the Frames and Flowers pack. You'll find close up pics of all sheets here in my Stampin' Up! store.

    And here are the sentiment sets I used. Both are excellent for many occasions and people. You'll find links in the project supply list here on my Stampin' Up! website.
    Both the Round We Go stamp set and die sets are hugely discounted on the Last Chance list in store. Get them while they last.

     
     
    Set of handmade cards using Stampin' Up! Frames and Flowers Specialty paper pack, Round We Go stamp set, Simply Said Stamp set, Nested Essentials dies, Everyday Arches dies. Cards by Diane Barnes - colourmehappydi -  stampinupcards - cardmaking ideas - quickandeasycards - stamping


    NEW 2025-2026 ANNUAL CATALOGUE
    6 May 2025 - 30 April 2026
    Purchase $35 AUD or more (ex s&h) and 10% is credited as Stampin' Rewards.
    Spend them in your next order or save them up.
    Opt in now in my store to join the program - and choose me as your Preferred Demonstrator too if haven't already. Find out more about Stampin' Rewards here
    Great deals up to 60% on retiring products - latest update 3 June 2025
    New items added every two months - Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, & Dec
    Only available until sold out

    Stampin Up Last Chance List - Shop with Diane Barnes - Independent Demonstrator in Australia

    __________

    SHOP ONLINE EXCLUSIVES
    Latest release - 6 May 2025
    You'll find lots more products in our store than what's in our printed catalogues?
    Shop online exclusives and releases in store now - available while supplies last.
    New Releases - January, March, May, July, September, November
    __________


    Quick and easy all inclusive projects you'll love to make
    New kits released every month.
    Available while supplies last

       
     

    JAI 752 inspiration challenge - Notes & Totes birthday flowers


    Hello & welcome to this week's Just Add Ink Challenges Design Team share. This week is a photo inspiration challenge. I was a bit puzzled at first what to do, but then had an idea to replicate the car full of flowers as a fun tote using the new Notes and Totes stamp and die bundle. Here's how my card turned out.


    I hope you can see how I was inspired by the image. I started by making up the fun 3d tote using the dies in the set and Pool Party cardstock to reflect the car shape, details and colour. It actually is a 3d bag, but flattened it on the card. I love all the stitched effects and different accessory options. Definitely a good one for lots of people and occasions.

    A bouquet of flowers (using the Country Flowers dies - now on the Last Chance list) is another nod back to the car. I then went wild adding the essential water bottle and fun sunglasses.

    The strip below the bag acts like a beach towel to ground the bag, and the background paper acts like a dreamy sunset (because sunrises are clearly too early). Take a closer look at all the little details.

     
    Inside there's another die cut and sentiment stamps from Round We Go stamp set. It really is a brilliant one for birthdays. Some more flowers and paper carries the theme over.
     

    Details
    • Tote, water bottle, sunglasses, timber strips - Notes and Totes stamps and dies bundle, Pool Party cardstock and silver foil, and
    • Flowers - Country Flowers die set (Last Chance) and 24-26 In Colour gems, and leaves coloured with Stampin' Blends (Shaded Spruce, Summer Splash)
    • Sentiments (front and inside) - Wanted to Say die set and Round We Go stamp set
    • Background, towel and scarf - Full of Life patterned paper, and 

    So what do you think? Can you see the challenge inspiration photo in my card? I hope you liked the idea and that it gives you some ideas to try on your own project. Head to the Just Add Ink blog to see lots more inspiration for the challenge and to add your own project.
     
    You'll find a full supply list for all available items here in my Stampin' Up! store.

    Until next time, happy stamping.
    Diane
     

    NEW 2025-2026 ANNUAL CATALOGUE
    6 May 2025 - 30 April 2026
    Purchase $35 AUD or more (ex s&h) and 10% is credited as Stampin' Rewards.
    Spend them in your next order or save them up.
    Opt in now in my store to join the program - and choose me as your Preferred Demonstrator too if haven't already. Find out more about Stampin' Rewards here
    Great deals up to 60% on retiring products - last update 1 April 2025
    New items added every two months - Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, & Dec
    Only available until sold out

    Stampin Up Last Chance List - Shop with Diane Barnes - Independent Demonstrator in Australia

    __________

    SHOP ONLINE EXCLUSIVES
    Latest release - 6 May 2025
    You'll find lots more products in our store than what's in our printed catalogues?
    Shop online exclusives and releases in store now - available while supplies last.
    New Releases - January, March, May, July, September, November
    __________


    Quick and easy all inclusive projects you'll love to make
    New kits released every month.
    Available while supplies last

       
     

    JAI 750 colour challenge - Impressions Abloom warm wishes


    Hello & welcome to this week's Just Add Ink Challenges Design Team share. This week is a colour challenge including a few current In Colors - Peach Pie, Pretty in Pink, and Summer Splash - teamed with black. I reached again for the Impressions Abloom dies I used last challenge, using the colours in different ways. Here's how my card turned out.

     
    Details
    • Paper : Two designs from the Unbounded Beauty paper pack (a carryover to Online Exclusives in the store).
    • FlowersFour of the Impressions Abloom dies cut in white card and coloured.
      Large, rounded flowers - Pretty In Pink blended ink centres.
      Thinner petalled flowers - fully coloured with Light & Dark Pretty in Pink Stampin Blends
      Smaller flowers have Peach Pie centres coloured with Stampin' Blends.
      Tiny flowers with shimmer gem centres in Summer Splash, Peach Pie and Pretty in Pink.
    • Sentiment: From the new Notes and Totes stamp and die bundle, stamped in black and fussy cut.
     
     
    A few more flowers inside carry the theme.


    So that's my colour challenge project. I hope it gives you some ideas to try. Head to the Just Add Ink blog to see lots more inspiration for the challenge.
     
    You'll find a full supply list for all available items here in my Stampin' Up! store.

    Until next time, happy stamping.
    Diane
     

    NEW 2025-2026 ANNUAL CATALOGUE
    6 May 2025 - 30 April 2026
    Purchase $35 AUD or more (ex s&h) and 10% is credited as Stampin' Rewards.
    Spend them in your next order or save them up.
    Opt in now in my store to join the program - and choose me as your Preferred Demonstrator too if haven't already. Find out more about Stampin' Rewards here
    Great deals up to 60% on retiring products - last update 1 April 2025
    New items added every two months - Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, & Dec
    Only available until sold out

    Stampin Up Last Chance List - Shop with Diane Barnes - Independent Demonstrator in Australia

    __________

    SHOP ONLINE EXCLUSIVES
    Latest release - 6 May 2025
    You'll find lots more products in our store than what's in our printed catalogues?
    Shop online exclusives and releases in store now - available while supplies last.
    New Releases - January, March, May, July, September, November
    __________


    Quick and easy all inclusive projects you'll love to make
    New kits released every month.
    Available while supplies last

       
     

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