One of my favourite things about crafting is being able to send a little love through the mail—and that’s exactly what today’s project is all about!

In a Friday Live Video, I shared how to make a warm and textural “HUG” card using the Party Alphabet Dies, Beautiful Gallery Designer Series Paper, and the ever-so-versatile Two-Tone Cardstock. Even better? I’ll show you a few fun tips, including how to sand the cardstock for extra texture and how to create a custom envelope for a non-standard card size.

And yes… if you heard barking or soup references in the video, that’s just a day in my life.

️ Supplies Used (see the full list below)

• Party Alphabet Dies

• Beautiful Gallery 6”x 6” DSP

• Two-Tone Cardstock (Petal Pink)

• Exposed Brick 3D Embossing Folder

• Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine

• Stampin’ Blends (Petal Pink)

• Jar of Joy Stamp Set (greeting)

• Charming Faceted Gems

• Petal Pink Braided Trim

• Sanding Block

• Custom Envelope made with DSP

Technique Tip: Sanding Two-Tone Cardstock

The secret sauce of this card? I lightly sanded the embossed Two-Tone Cardstock to reveal the white core—creating soft texture that really makes the background pop. It’s such a fun and easy way to get more out of your paper stash!  Plus this Cardstock is on sale from July 9-11th.

Pro tip: Use a fine-grit sanding block or a nail buffer (yes, really!) and go gently. The paper is slightly thinner than regular cardstock, but the results are worth it.

 Quick How-To Steps:

1. Die-Cut the Word “HUG” from your sanded Two-Tone Cardstock using the Party Alphabet Dies. I taped my dies together with packaging tape to keep perfect spacing—reusable and so handy!

2. Cut Your Card Base to 6″ x 7″, score at 3.5″.

3. Emboss the Front Panel using the Exposed Brick 3D folder.

4. Layer DSP Behind the Word Cut-Out – I used a piece from Beautiful Motifs and added a touch of colour to the flowers with my Petal Pink Blends.

5. Add a Sentiment – I snipped “sending a hug” from the new Jar of Joy stamp set.

6. Embellish! I added braided trim (unraveled for a rustic look), some Charming Faceted Gems, and a fussy-cut floral from the DSP.

✉️ Bonus: Easy Custom Envelope!

Since this card doesn’t fit a standard envelope, I walked through how to make one using DSP (or even computer paper). I’ll share exact measurements and a template in the downloadable project sheet below.

Want to Win This Card?

As always, comment, like, or share the video replay on Facebook for your chance to win the featured HUG card! (Open to Canadians who are not Stampin’ Up! demonstrators.)

️ Alternate Card Designs

Not sure if you prefer flat or popped-up cards? I shared both versions in the video—one with Stampin’ Dimensionals and one without. I also showed a version using a butterfly from the Beautiful Butterflies Dies for a completely different vibe. Same supplies, totally different look!

Pin It for Later

Want to remember this card idea for future? Pin the image below and save it to your “Card Ideas” board.

Final Thoughts

Between my soup mishap, dog barking, and things falling off my desk, this Live had it all—but I’m so glad I stuck with it because I love how this card turned out. I hope you do too! Be sure to watch the video HERE.

If you haven’t tried Two-Tone Cardstock or the Party Alphabet Dies yet, this is the perfect project to play with. Stay tuned for more samples soon—I can’t stop creating with these gorgeous papers!

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