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Autumnal Ink Blended Tag

Hi Everyone! Welcome to Make It Monday blog with me, Sarah. Fall is right around the corner. I can picture it now with the crisp air, festivals, and baked goods. Today I’ll be sharing how to create an autumnal ink blended tag using the Acorn Almanac set from the August ’26 Kit of the Month. You don’t have to use the entire stamp to have a beautiful impact. That’s why I love background stamps for the ability to choose which areas you want to highlight.

This post may include affiliate links. That means that I may receive compensation if you purchase through the links provided at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Supplies:

  1. Unity Stamp Co. August ’26 Kit of the Month First Days to Festive Nights
  2. Unity Stamp Co. Scallops & Banners {nesting dies}
  3. Unity Stamp Co. Manila Tags 1 7/8 x 3 3/4″
  4. Distress Oxides
    • Mustard Seed, Spice Marmalade, Ripe Persimmon, Crackling Campfire, Aged Mahogany
  5. White pigment ink
  6. Black cardstock
  7. Gold cardstock
  8. Gold acrylic paint
  9. Black enamel dots
  10. Twine
  11. Black sheer ribbon

Tutorial:

Step 1: Stamp the Acorn Almanac image onto a manila tag.

Step 2: Ink blend the tag with Distress Oxides in autumnal colors. Sprinkle water droplets onto the tag to pick up some color.

Step 3: Water down gold acrylic paint and splatter onto the tag.

Step 4: Stamp a sentiment from Mice & Cozy with white pigment ink onto black cardstock. Trim with the smallest Scallops & Banners die.

Step 5: Trim a piece of gold cardstock with the same banner die. Adhere it behind the trimmed sentiment slightly offset on the bottom. Then use foam dots to adhere the banners onto the bottom of the tag.

Step 6: Add twine through the tag hole and tie a bow around the twine with sheer black ribbon.

Step 7: Embellish with black enamel dots.

I love how autumn colors pop! The tag can be used for a gift basket full of baked goods or even as an embellishment for a card. I hope you give this tag a try! If you do, tag me on social media @apapermoment so that I can see your creation. Also, be sure to join us on the Unity Show & Tell Facebook group to share your creations and to be inspired by other creators.

Have a great day!

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Mice and Easy Cards

As much as I love creating detailed scene cards, sometimes a clean design lets a beautiful stamped image shine all on its own. That’s exactly what inspired today’s card featuring Mice & Cozy, one of the adorable stamp sets included in Unity Stamp Company’s August Kit of the Month – First Days to Festive Nights.

This sweet little mouse hanging from a colorful autumn branch completely stole my heart. By pairing it with a large circular window, the image becomes the focal point while still leaving plenty of crisp white space for a modern, elegant finish.

The best part? This design is surprisingly easy to recreate!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Stamp & Color
Stamp the hanging mouse image onto white cardstock using a Copic-friendly black ink. Color the image with Copic markers, using warm fall shades for the leaves and soft grays for the mouse. Die cut this with a circle die, and lightly blend Weathered Wood Distress Ink around the edge of the circle panel.

Step 2 – Create the Window
Die cut a stitched rectangle from ivory cardstock and cut a slightly smaller stitched circle from the center. Stamp the leaves on this piece so that it appears they are floating by.

Step 3 – Assemble the Card
Adhere the colored circle on a brown card base lining it up with the die cut rectangle. Add foam adhesive behind the rectangle panel for dimension, then mount it onto a dark brown A2 card base.

Step 4 – Add the Finishing Touches
Stamp, trim, and pop up the sentiment “A little fall hello.” from brown card stock and adhere using foam tape beneath the window.

Products Used

Window cards are one of my favorite ways to showcase detailed stamp images. Instead of filling every inch of the card, the circular opening naturally draws the eye exactly where you want it. Pair that with soft ink blending and vibrant coloring, and you’ve created a card that feels polished without requiring complicated techniques. It’s a wonderful design that can easily be adapted for Christmas, winter, spring, or any focal image in your collection.

Why the Kit of the Month Is Worth It

One thing I especially love about Unity’s Kit of the Month Membership is the incredible variety included every single month. The August First Days to Festive Nights collection is packed with seasonal images—from adorable autumn mice to birthday stamps, back-to-school designs, and even Christmas images—giving you supplies you’ll reach for all season long. Membership also includes exclusive savings, monthly perks, and access to coordinating products that make creating even more fun. If you’ve been thinking about joining, this is a fantastic month to start building your collection.

Happy crafting! I hope this little autumn mouse inspires you to pull out your favorite coloring supplies and create a handmade card that sends a little cozy happiness through the mail. 🍂

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Off We Grow: A First Day of School Card with Alcohol Marker Coloring

A first day of school is a big moment, whether it is the beginning of kindergarten, a new school year, or simply the start of another exciting chapter. This clean and simple handmade card celebrates that special day with a cheerful group of kids and a little coloring fun. Rick is back with another Membership Thursday blog post, sharing how a simple stamped design and alcohol marker coloring can create a thoughtful first day of school card without making the process complicated.

In this project, you’ll see how to use the Off We Grow Stamp Set to create a focal point on the front of the card, add color with alcohol markers, and bring an unexpected detail to the back of the card by stamping the kids from behind alongside a personal stamp. The result is a clean, balanced design that is approachable for beginner and intermediate cardmakers.

Project Overview

This card uses a simple layout that allows the stamped image to do most of the work. The group of kids creates an immediate focal point in the lower portion of the card, while the sentiment sits above it with plenty of open space surrounding both elements.

That open space is an important part of the design. A clean and simple card doesn’t need to fill every area of the card front. In fact, leaving some breathing room helps the stamped images and sentiment stand out.

The coloring also adds visual interest without requiring additional layers, patterned paper, or decorative elements. The different colors of the children’s clothing create variety while keeping the overall design cohesive.

For a card like this, think about balance rather than filling space. Once your main image and sentiment are positioned, resist the temptation to add more simply because an area looks empty. That empty space may be exactly what makes the design work.

Technique Highlights

Stamping a Strong Focal Image

The front-facing image of the kids from the Off We Grow Stamp Set immediately communicates the theme of the card. Because the image includes multiple characters, it has enough visual interest to stand on its own.

When working with a detailed or larger stamped image, consider making it the star of your card. A simple background and minimal embellishments can help keep attention focused on the image.

This is also a useful approach when you’re still building confidence with card design. Instead of trying to combine several different elements, start with one strong focal image and build the rest of the card around it.

Adding Color with Alcohol Markers

Alcohol markers are a wonderful way to bring stamped images to life. For this card, the kids are colored with a variety of bright shades, giving each character an individual look while keeping the group visually connected.

You don’t need an extensive color palette to create an effective result. Beginners can choose a few coordinating colors and repeat them throughout the image. Repeating colors helps create harmony and can make coloring decisions feel much easier.

Another helpful tip is to think about where you want the strongest color. The brighter areas of the image naturally attract attention, so use those colors strategically rather than trying to make every part of the image equally bold.

If you’re new to alcohol marker coloring, don’t worry about creating perfect blends right away. Focus first on getting comfortable with applying an even layer of color and staying within the stamped lines. As your confidence grows, you can experiment with shading and blending.

Creating a Surprise on the Back

One of the fun details of this card happens when you turn it over. The image of the kids from behind is stamped on the back of the card along with a personal stamp.

This is a simple idea, but it adds personality to the finished card and makes the card feel more complete. It also demonstrates that stamping doesn’t have to be limited to the front of a card.

Think of the back of your card as another small canvas. A simple stamped image, sentiment, or personal mark can turn an otherwise overlooked area into an intentional part of the design.

Product Education

Off We Grow Stamp Set

The Off We Grow Stamp Set provides the central imagery for this first day of school card. The front-facing group of kids creates an easy focal point for a clean and simple design, while the image showing the kids from behind offers an opportunity to extend the design to the back of the card.

When choosing a stamp set for a clean and simple card, look for images that can communicate the occasion without requiring lots of additional decoration. A well-designed focal image can make it easier to create a polished card with fewer elements.

Alcohol Markers

Alcohol markers provide the color for the stamped image and allow you to customize the look of each character. Using different combinations of colors for clothing, hair, and other details gives the image plenty of personality.

For a beginner-friendly approach, choose a limited selection of colors before you begin. You can always add more colors later, but starting with a smaller palette can make the coloring process feel much more manageable.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of a clean and simple design is how easily it can be adapted. You could change the colors to match a child’s favorite colors, use a different combination of marker shades, or adjust the placement of the sentiment and stamped image.

You can also carry the same design concept into other occasions. Look for a strong focal image, give it room to shine, and let your coloring provide the visual interest.

And don’t overlook the back of the card! Adding the coordinating image from behind creates a fun detail that the recipient may not expect.

Whether you’re making a first day of school card for a child, grandchild, teacher, friend, or family member, remember that you don’t need a complicated design to create something meaningful. Start with a great stamped image, add color, and give your design room to breathe.

With the Off We Grow Stamp Set and alcohol markers, you can create a cheerful handmade card that celebrates an important milestone while keeping the cardmaking process simple and approachable. Have fun choosing your colors, and most importantly, enjoy creating something special for someone’s first day!

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Watercolor with stamping Acorn Almanac Background Of The Month

Good day friends.  Gaylynn here.  I cannot believe we are already looking at Autumn and Fall decorations and crafts. Here, I am sharing the colors of Autumn using watercolor with stamping.

I used the latest background stamp by Unity Stamp Company. It is from Unity’s August 2026 Background of the Month membership called Acorn Almanac. This background stamp is also available as a one-time purchase. This stamp includes autumn leaves, acorns, branches, script text and a sentiment. My watercolors were calling my name for this one. I include the project steps and supplies below.

 

Here is a look at the finished card.
Sentiment: Golden days and grateful hearts.

 

Additionally, this is a look at the August 2026 Background of the Month Membership for August 2026. It is also available as a one-time purchase. The details are included on the site pages for either the membership or the one-time purchase options.

Here is a look at the steps in the process of making this card. To begin, prepare your card panels and kraft color A2 size card base. Then, add die-cuts for the main panel background and for the sentiment label. I added rectangle die-cuts using chonky postage dies for the main panel and a small zig-zag rectangle die for the sentiment.

 

Next, this is another look at the process. Add watercolor of choice to the leaves, branches and acorns. I used pan-style watercolors on watercolor cardstock. Once the main watercolor is dry, add white paint splatters over the leaves and acorns. Then, fussy cut (cut out) the small acorn.

 

Finally, take a closer look at the finished card.

 

Lastly, be sure to visit my other features here on the Unity Stamp Co. blog:
Technique Time and Watercolor Wednesday.

 

In closing, I hope you try this project and share your makes in the Unity Show & Tell Facebook Group.  Feel free to tag me so that I can see what you make.

Thanks so much for visiting.

Have a fabulous day,
Gaylynn

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Snail Mail Art Monday With Eventually Yours

Mail Art Monday! Or should I say Snail Mail Art Monday? Welcome to Make It Monday blog with me, Sarah. I’m going to show you how to create some mail art in order to step up those envelopes for your cards. Mail art adds an extra detail any recipient would appreciate. Also, it may inspire you to mail those cards. I don’t know about you, but I definitely have a stash of cards sitting at home. What’s great is the Eventually Yours set is perfect if you happen to be a little behind on sending those cards.

This post may include affiliate links. That means that I may receive compensation if you purchase through the links provided at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Supplies:

  1. Unity Stamp Co. August ’26 Kit of the Month First Days to Festive Nights
  2. Unity Stamp Co. 3-in-1 Stencil
  3. White envelope
  4. Alcohol markers
  5. Yellow ink and blending brush
  6. Clear glitter marker

Tutorial:

Step 1: Stamp the Eventually Yours snail and a sentiment towards the bottom left corner of your envelope front. Color with alcohol markers.

  • Crafty Tip: Place a piece of cardstock Inside the envelope so the alcohol markers won’t bleed to the back side.

Step 2: Use a gray marker to color over the sentiment to help it pop out against the background.

Step 3: Place the sun ray from the 3-in-1 stencil on top of the snail. Use yellow ink and a blending brush to ink blend the ray around the snail.

Step 4: For a finishing detail, use a clear glitter marker to add some sparkle on the present ribbon, snail shell, and party blower.

This is such a quick way to use your stamps and add some pizzazz to your envelopes. Let me know if you regularly decorate your envelopes for mail art. If you do, tag me on social media @apapermoment so that I can see your creation. Also, be sure to join us on the Unity Show & Tell Facebook group to share your creations and to be inspired by other creators.

Have a great day!

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Easy Belated Birthday Card with Eventually Yours

Hi friends, Lisa here. Today I’m creating an easy belated birthday card with Eventually Yours, colorful patterned paper, and a few simple die-cut shapes. This stamp set makes being late feel a lot more fun.

Featured Unity Supplies

Eventually Yours
Eventually Yours

USC		 Gotta Love Sentiments
Gotta Love Sentiments

USC		 Postage Stamp {die}
Postage Stamp {die}

USC		 Scallops & Ovals Dies
Scallops & Ovals Dies

USC
Scalloped & Stitched Sentiment Dies
Scalloped & Stitched Sentiment Dies

USC		 Fabulous Enough Paper
Fabulous Enough Paper

USC

*Affiliate Links may be used at no additional cost to you. I appreciate the support if you are inspired to shop through my links.

A Little Late, Still Ready to Party

I stamped the snail and tall present from Eventually Yours, colored them with Copics, and pulled the colors directly from Fabulous Enough Paper Pack. Using the patterned paper as the color guide kept the coloring simple and helped the whole card feel connected.

Copic Colors:

  • Snail: BG11 | BG13 | G24
  • Party Blower: R21 | R22
  • Present: R21 | R22 | B34
  • Ground: W1

I created the hill with Scallops & Ovals Dies and layered it over the loopy patterned paper. Then I die cut the whole piece with the Postage Stamp Die to create a smaller background that was perfectly sized for the snail.

The snail fits right onto the hill and gives the card a simple little birthday scene. I die cut the funny sentiment with Scalloped & Stitched Sentiment Dies, then added the tiny hearts to finish it off. I used a bit of scraps from the die cut layers to decorate the inside with the ‘Happy Birthday’ from Gotta Love Sentiments. You’ll have to check out the video for a peek at that!

Watch the Quick Video

Eventually Yours makes it easy to turn a late birthday card into part of the celebration. Add quick coloring, a few patterned-paper layers, and a simple die-cut scene for a card that is playful, silly, and ready to mail.

Thank you for joining me today. I sincerely hope that today’s project inspires you. If you create something, feel free to tag me, @dahlhousedesigns, on social media as I would be thrilled to see it! Plus, join us in the Unity Show & Tell Facebook group to share your Unity creations. It is such a fun and loving group of creators.

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DIY Desk Calendar Using Unity Rubber Stamps

Have you ever created your own desk calendar? Hi Everyone! Welcome to the Make It Monday blog with me, Sarah. I’ll be walking you through how to create your own customized DIY desk calendar using the Unity Stamp Co. 2026 Mini Calendar Set and stamps from your stash. A personalized desk calendar is.a great way to dig through your stamps and use what inspires you.

This post may include affiliate links. That means that I may receive compensation if you purchase through the links provided at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Supplies:

  1. Unity Stamp Co. 2026 Mini Calendar Set
  2. Unity Stamp Co. Hook, Line & Sunshine
  3. Unity Stamp Co. Noel’s Charm {paper pack}
  4. 12×12″ white cardstock
  5. Color Pencils
  6. Brown ink and blending brush
  7. Adhesive
  8. Discbound punch and binding discs

Tutorial:

Step 1: Trim calendar pages to 4.25″x5.5.” Pull out the month of August.

Step 2: Stamp the man fishing from the Hook, Line & Sunshine set onto the top part of the August calendar page. Color with color pencils.

Step 3: Ink blend the top edges with brown ink.

Step 4: Cut a piece of white cardstock to 5″x12.” Score at 6″ on the 12″ side. Fold and burnish.

Step 5: Cut a piece of white cardstock to 3″x5.” Score on the 3″ side at 0.5″, 1.5″, 2.5.” Fold on the score lines valley, mountain, valley. The smaller 0.5″ ends should be facing up.

Step 6: Adhere the 0.5″ flaps from the piece in Step 5 to the inside of the base from Step 4. This will connect the 2 sides of the base together. I prefer double sided adhesive tape, but you can use liquid glue.

Step 7: Cut 2 pieces of pattern paper to 4.75″x5.75.” I chose a more neutral pattern from the Noel’s Charm paper pack so it could be the backdrop to any month. Adhere these pieces to the front and back of the base.

Step 8: Punch holes into the base and the August calendar page using a discbound punch. I used a We R Makers Multi Cinch, but there are many varieties and brands out there.

  • If you don’t have a binding punch, you can easily use a hole punch and rings.

Step 9: Bind the desk calendar base and the August calendar page with binding discs. Repeat the process for all 12 months for your own personalized desk calendar.

It’s so fun to create a DIY personalized desk calendar. There are 3 sets of each month in the 2026 Mini Calendar Set, so you could easily make 2 more personalized sets as gifts. I hope you give this project a try! If you do, tag me on social media @apapermoment so that I can see your creation. Also, be sure to join us on the Unity Show & Tell Facebook group to share your creations and to be inspired by other creators.

Have a great day!