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3 Easy Halloween Treat Bag Tags

Hi friends.  Welcome to the Unity blog.  I’m Gaylynn.  Every year, I make Halloween treat bag tags for the trick-or-treaters. It is fun to make multiples while your supplies are out.  It is always a surprise when they see decorated treats.

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The featured Unity Stamp Company ghost stamps and sentiments are from Daisy Boo-ho set, Ghosting In The Sunshine set, and Petal Boo set. To create these favor tags, I used rubber stamping, colored pencils, ephemera and die-cutting. I include the project steps and supplies below.

 

To begin, here is a look at the three goodie bag tags:
Sentiments:
Sending ghost hugs.
Sending boo sunshine and daisies.
A little sunshine for your spirit.

 

Helpful Tips

 

  • Trim ephemera tags for the tag backgrounds.

  • Stamp three ghosts and sentiments onto kraft color cardstock, leaving room for die-cutting each.

  • Color the ghost scenes. I used colored pencils in shades of salmon, green, white and brown.

  • Die-cut or trim the ghosts using rectangle dies from ZigZag dies.

  • Die-cut or trim the sentiments using sentiment label dies.

  • Adhere and layer everything over the card front and tie with cording.

 

 

Take a look at the short video of the process:

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 for visiting.

Best,
Gaylynn

Want more like this? Shop all of Unity’s Halloween stamps.

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Cute Handmade Card with Unity Stamp Company Sorry Stuff Stinks Stamp Set

Creating cute and whimsical cards is always a fun way to combine playful imagery with clean design, and today’s project does exactly that with a bright floral background, layered details, and soft coloring techniques. Rick is back with another Membership Thursday Blog Post to share a cheerful handmade card featuring the Sorry Stuff Stinks Stamp Set and Daisy Daydreams {Paper Pack} from Unity Stamp Company. This project is a great example of how pattern paper, stamping, and simple coloring techniques can work together to create a polished card that still feels approachable for beginner-to-intermediate cardmakers.

One of the standout features of this design is the balance between bold patterned paper and open white space. The floral print from the Daisy Daydreams {Paper Pack} brings in bright color and energy, while the clean layout keeps the overall card feeling fresh and easy to focus on. Pairing a busy pattern with a large focal panel is a helpful design approach because it allows the stamped image to remain the center of attention without overwhelming the card.

Building a Clean and Layered Design

Clean and layered cards are a wonderful option for cardmakers who want dimension and detail without creating overly complicated projects. This design uses simple matting layers and strategic placement to add visual interest while maintaining an uncluttered look.

The vertical strip of patterned paper helps anchor the design and naturally guides the eye toward the focal image. Adding a thin colored mat around the stamped panel also helps separate the image from the white card base, making the focal area feel more defined and polished.

Another detail that helps this design work so well is color repetition. Pulling purple tones from the patterned paper into the mat layer and embellishments creates a cohesive look across the entire card. Repeating color intentionally is one of the easiest ways to make layered card designs feel balanced and professional.

Combining Alcohol Markers and Colored Pencils

The image from the Sorry Stuff Stinks Stamp Set was colored using Alcohol Markers first, followed by Colored Pencils for additional shading and texture. This combination is especially useful for whimsical images because it allows smooth base coloring while still adding soft details and depth.

Alcohol Markers are excellent for creating vibrant blends and bold color transitions, especially on larger areas like the flower petals. Colored Pencils can then be used to deepen shadows, soften edges, or add texture in smaller areas such as fur, folds, or tiny details.

For beginners, this is also a very forgiving coloring combination. Even light pencil shading over marker coloring can instantly add dimension and make stamped images feel more finished. It’s a great way to build confidence while experimenting with layering different coloring mediums together.

Using Pattern Paper Without Overwhelming the Card

Pattern paper can sometimes feel intimidating, especially when working with detailed stamped images. A helpful way to simplify the process is to treat patterned paper as an accent rather than the main feature.

In this card design, the floral paper adds personality and supports the whimsical theme without competing with the focal image. Keeping the patterned paper confined to one section of the layout helps maintain visual balance and allows the stamped image to remain the star of the project.

This same approach works beautifully with many different paper styles, from florals and polka dots to seasonal prints and geometric patterns.

Finishing Details That Add Polish

Small embellishments from a craft stash were added to complete the card and bring in extra texture without distracting from the design. Repeating embellishments in small clusters helps create visual movement while still preserving the clean feel of the layout.

Tiny finishing touches like this are often what help handmade cards feel complete. Even simple accents can add shine, texture, and personality while tying all the design elements together.

Supply List

Stamps & Paper

Coloring Mediums

  • Alcohol Markers
  • Colored Pencils

This cute and whimsical card design is easy to adapt using different patterned papers, color palettes, or stamped images while still keeping the same clean layered structure. Whether creating a friendship card, encouragement card, or everyday greeting, this layout offers plenty of flexibility while remaining beginner-friendly.

Hopefully this project inspires you to mix patterned paper with stamped focal images more confidently and experiment with combining coloring mediums for added depth and texture. Sometimes simple design choices and thoughtful layering are all it takes to create a handmade card that feels both playful and polished.

Happy Crafting,

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Cute dog card with colored pencils on kraft

Hello and welcome to the Unity blog.  It’s Gaylynn. Sometimes, simply layered cards present the focal image perfectly. This cute pup looks perfect in these simple paper layers. The technique focus is colored pencils on kraft color cardstock. It was simple to make this.

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This card project features fun Unity Stamp Company stamps called Pawty Law No. 1 stamps. To create this card, use stamps, colored pencils, die-cutting and patterned paper. I include project tips, a short video and supplies below.

 

To begin, here is a look at the finished card.
Sentiment:   Happy Birthday. You make life a little sweeter.

Helpful tips:

  • Prepare a horizontal A2 card base in white.
  • Stamp the pup from Pawty Law No. 1 stamps and the sentiment onto different pieces of kraft-colored cardstock.
  • Color the pup scene using colored pencils that coordinate with the paper layers.
  • Die-cut a rectangle background from rectangle dies and from patterned paper and white and kraft color oval layers from oval dies.
  • Die-cut the sentiment using sentiment nesting dies.
  • Optionally, die-cut a paper bow.
  • Using flat and foam double-sided tape, layer everything onto the card front.

 

Finally, here is a closer look at this card project.

 

Be sure to watch this card process in the short video below.

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

 

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 for visiting.

Best,
Gaylynn

Want more like this? Shop all of Unity’s dog stamps.

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Two Clean and Simple Cards with Unity Stamp Company

Hello crafty friends, it’s Rick is back with another Membership Thursday blog post, and today’s project is all about creating two clean and simple cards with beautiful detail using a few thoughtful techniques. By combining the The Wild Haven Background Stamp and the A Thought Flew By Stamp Set from Unity Stamp Company with alcohol marker coloring, colored pencil shading, and subtle scored details, these cards show how easy it can be to create polished handmade cards with depth and texture. These designs are perfect for beginner to intermediate cardmakers who want to build confidence while learning ways to add interest to clean and simple layouts.

Both cards focus on letting the stamped images take center stage while keeping the overall designs uncluttered and balanced. The masculine deer card uses the scenic image from The Wild Haven Background Stamp as the focal point, with rich coloring that brings the landscape to life while maintaining plenty of clean white space around the image. The butterfly card, created with the A Thought Flew By Stamp Set, pairs whimsical coloring with a simple branch image and soft scored line accents to create a finished design that feels elegant but approachable. In both cards, the clean layouts help emphasize the coloring while the subtle texture from the score lines adds just enough detail to elevate the final look.

One of the key techniques featured in these cards is combining alcohol markers and colored pencils for layered coloring. Alcohol markers provide a smooth base layer of color quickly, making them ideal for filling larger stamped areas and establishing the main tones of the design. Colored pencils are then added over the top to deepen shadows, enhance texture, and bring extra dimension to the images. This combination works especially well because it allows you to get the soft blending of alcohol markers along with the detailed control of pencils.

For beginners, this layered approach is a great way to build dimension without needing advanced marker blending techniques. Starting with simple base colors keeps the process manageable, while the colored pencils help refine the details gradually. On the deer card, the alcohol markers establish the natural greens, browns, and blues of the landscape, while the colored pencils add definition to the trees, fur, and rocky shoreline. On the butterfly card, the alcohol markers create vibrant color on the wings, while the pencils help add shading and softness that give the butterfly more personality and depth.

Another detail that makes these clean and simple cards feel polished is the addition of scoring patterns. By pressing score lines into the cardstock, you can create subtle texture and visual framing without adding layers or bulk. This works especially well for clean and simple designs because it keeps the focus on the stamped image while adding a professional finishing touch. On the butterfly card, the scored lines ground the design and add interest to the open space beneath the image. On the deer card, the scoring frames the scene in a way that enhances the focal point without distracting from it.

The featured Unity Stamp Company products make these techniques especially effective because the stamped images have enough detail to shine while still being easy to color. The The Wild Haven Background Stamp creates a full scenic focal point, making it easy to achieve an impressive result with just one stamped image. It is ideal for creating masculine cards or nature-inspired designs because the detailed scene does most of the design work for you. The A Thought Flew By Stamp Set offers a playful focal image that pairs beautifully with simple coloring and minimal embellishment, making it a versatile option for quick cards that still feel special.

These projects are a great reminder that clean and simple cards do not have to feel plain. Thoughtful coloring, layered shading, and subtle scored accents can turn a minimal design into something eye-catching and elegant. By focusing on a few easy-to-master techniques, you can create handmade cards with depth and personality while keeping the process simple and enjoyable.

Whether you are creating masculine scene cards, whimsical note cards, or experimenting with new coloring combinations, these techniques can be adapted to fit so many styles. Try changing the color palette, adjusting the scoring pattern, or pairing the same techniques with different focal images to make each design your own. With just a few simple details, you can create clean and simple cards that feel beautifully finished and full of dimension. Happy crafting!

Affiliate links may be used in this blog post at no additional cost to you.

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Clean and Simple Birthday Card with Yearly Fire Hazard Stamp Set

Rick is back with another clean and simple card featuring the Yearly Fire Hazard Stamp Set from the April 2026 Kit of the Month. This cheerful birthday design focuses on creating a soft glowing effect over the focal image while keeping the overall layout crisp and uncluttered. In this post, you’ll learn how to combine stamping, alcohol marker coloring, colored pencil details, and ink blending to build depth and dimension in a simple, approachable way using the 8-in-1 Essential Masking Stencil.

Project Overview

This card design centers around a playful stamped image, paired with a soft halo of color that draws the eye right where you want it. The layout is intentionally minimal, allowing the focal image to shine without distraction. A clean background keeps the design balanced, while the blended glow adds just enough interest to elevate the card.

The color palette is kept simple and cohesive, which helps maintain that clean and simple style. By limiting the number of elements and focusing on one main area of detail, the card feels polished without becoming overwhelming—perfect for beginner to intermediate cardmakers.

Technique Highlights

One of the standout techniques in this project is creating a glowing background using ink blending. Instead of covering the entire panel, the ink is concentrated over the stamped image, giving the illusion of light radiating outward. This works especially well for birthday themes, where a soft glow can mimic candlelight or add a celebratory feel.

To enhance this effect, alcohol markers are used to add depth and shading to the cake and bird images. By slightly deepening the shadows on the side opposite the glow, the images appear more dimensional and naturally lit. This contrast is key to making the glow feel realistic.

Colored pencils are then used as a finishing touch. They allow for subtle detailing, soft highlights, and texture that can be harder to achieve with markers alone. For beginners, this combination is very forgiving—markers lay the base color, and pencils refine and enhance.

A helpful tip: if you’re new to ink blending, start with a light hand and build color gradually. It’s easier to add more ink than to take it away.

Product Education

The Yearly Fire Hazard Stamp Set provides a fun and versatile focal image that works beautifully for birthday cards. The design lends itself well to both bold coloring and softer techniques like the glow effect used here. The clean lines of the images make it easy to layer color and add shading without feeling complicated.

The 8-in-1 Essential Masking Stencil plays an important role in keeping the design clean while adding interest. It helps define the ink-blended area, ensuring the glow stays controlled and intentional. With multiple masking options in one stencil, it offers flexibility for a variety of layouts and techniques, making it a useful tool for both simple and more detailed designs.

Supply List

Unity Stamps Products:

Closing

Clean and simple cards don’t have to feel plain. With a few thoughtful techniques—like adding a soft glow and building depth through layered coloring—you can create something that feels both polished and approachable.

Try experimenting with different ink colors for the glow or changing the focal image to suit other occasions. Small adjustments can give you a completely new look while using the same basic design.

This is a great project to revisit as you build your confidence with blending and coloring. Keep it simple, have fun with the process, and enjoy creating something meaningful.

 

Affiliate links may be used in this blog post at no additional cost to you.

See every set in Unity’s birthday stamps collection — red rubber, made in the USA.

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Spring Chicken Circle Spotlight Cutout Card

Hey there, friends.  Welcome to the Unity blog.  I’m Gaylynn.  Sometimes you want to showcase a stamp or image differently, and I’ve got the solution for that. Make a circle spotlight cutout card to showcase your focus. Create a cover layer from patterned paper with a circle cutout over the image you want to feature. To create this card, I used stamping, colored pencils, and die-cutting. For the floral, I added heat embossing.

The featured Unity products are from Just a Couple Spring Chickens one-time purchase or Uniquely Unity March 2026, Meadow of Memory, Blow Your Mind, Scallops & Circles nesting dies and patterned paper. I have included the project steps and supplies below.

 

To begin, here is a look at the finished card.
Sentiment: Still a Spring chicken, just well seasoned.

 

Helpful Tips:

  1. Prepare a vertical scored white card base 4 ¼” x 5 ½”.

  2. Onto a sheet of kraft-colored cardstock, stamp the chicken and the sentiment in black ink, near the left corner of the sheet.

  3. Stamp chicken wire around the chicken.

  4. Color the chicken to match your paper using colored pencils or your favorite coloring medium.

  5. Stamp and heat emboss a floral accent over kraft cardstock. Then fussy cut (cut out) the flowers.

  6. Trim the chicken panel and a patterned paper panel 4 ” x 5 1/4″.

  7. Die-cut a large circle onto the trimmed patterned paper, so that the stamp shows in the cut section.

  8. Adhere the cut panel over the chicken panel using foam adhesive.

  9. Assemble the layered panel over the card base.

  10. Embellish with the embossed flowers, twine and an enamel heart.

 

Additionally, here is another look at this card.

Finally, here is a close-up view.

 

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

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 for stopping by.
Don’t forget to get my crafty newsletter by email. Click HERE to subscribe.

 

Best,
Gaylynn

Click the LinkDeli box below to access the supply page for this project.


Want more like this? Shop all of Unity’s chicken stamps.

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Bold Bauble Blunder

Sometimes, the best cards come from the biggest blunders.

While playing with the October 2025 Kit of the Month – Bold Baubles stamp kit, I stamped these sweet, simple ornaments and started coloring them with my Prismacolor Pencils. I wanted rich, bold color with soft, smooth blending — so I grabbed my trusty Gamsol to make the magic happen.

But somewhere between blending the red bauble and the green one… I slipped. My blending stump wandered outside the lines, smudging color where it definitely didn’t belong. For a second, I thought I’d ruined it.

Then I took a breath and thought — what if this is meant to be?

Instead of scrapping the panel, I used the residual color left on my blending stump to softly spread that “oops” around the entire background. To my surprise, it turned into this dreamy, watercolor-like wash that made the ornaments pop even more.

A few touches of Perfect Pearls gave the whole piece a subtle shimmer, and suddenly my mistake wasn’t a blunder at all — it was the best part of the card.

Sometimes our creative detours are just happy accidents waiting to shine.

Supplies Used

✨ Next time your project takes an unexpected turn, lean into it — you never know what beautiful surprise might appear.

Until next time… Happy Crafting!