One of the most powerful ways to elevate your handmade cards is by focusing on the details. Whether it’s a delicate line drawn by hand, a pop of sparkle, or the softness of vellum, these small touches can make a big impact. Inspired by the Altenew class “Beautiful Details,” I created a set of five cards—each one highlighting a different approach to bringing elegance, texture, and artistry into cardmaking. Let’s take a closer look at how these details transformed each design.

Card 1: Ink-Blended Drama with Grey Blooms

This card sets the tone with a bold and vibrant background. I created an orange ink-blended base and layered it with stamped blooms from Altenew’s Build-A-Flower: Anemone set. The flowers were stamped in Charcoal Suit, Gray Denim, and Cloudy Night inks, allowing the cool tones to contrast beautifully against the warm background.

The sentiment, from Precious Moments, was stamped in Firebrick, blending warmth with structure. The end result is rich and dramatic, but it’s the careful ink choices and layering that give this card its polished, detailed look.

Card 2: Partial Stamping with Hand-Drawn Enhancements

For a more freeform design, this card features only parts of the floral stamps—allowing more room for creativity and negative space. After stamping fragments of the Anemone flower in neutral Altenew inks (Charcoal Suit, Gray Denim, and Cloudy Night), I added sketched accents using a 0.10 black pigment liner.

The hand-drawn lines gave the florals a sketched, artistic feel, making each bloom look freshly illustrated. A strip of Altenew’s black glitter cardstock along the bottom added a chic, graphic touch. This card shows how just a few lines and a little sparkle can turn a simple layout into something truly special.

Card 3: Bright Pink Florals with Marker Details

Brimming with vibrant color, this card focuses on detail through coloring. The Wispy Joy stamp set provided elegant floral outlines, which I stamped in Vineyard Berry and Marshland inks. Then came the fun part—adding layers of dimension with Artistry by Altenew Alcohol Markers in R302, R304, R318, G702, and G715.

The detailed coloring brought out the shape and shadows in the flowers, giving them a lush, almost three-dimensional feel. It’s a great reminder that your coloring tools are just as important as your stamps when it comes to beautiful cardmaking.

Card 4: Soft Elegance with Vellum and Embossing

Sometimes beautiful details are all about restraint. This card features soft pinks and greys using the Celebrate Us stamp set. The floral image and sentiment were stamped in clear embossing ink, with the sentiment heat-embossed in Ranger Black Glitter Embossing Powder for a touch of shine.

Using Silver Lake and Pastel Sunrise inks for stamping and WG01 and WG05 alcohol markers for shading, I created a gentle, romantic feel. A layer of vellum softened the entire design, giving it a dreamy quality that feels both elegant and intentional.

Card 5: Simplicity with Watercolor Elegance

This final card may be the simplest of the group, but it perfectly illustrates the power of beautiful details. Using Altenew’s Once Upon a Time stamp set, I stamped a delicate tree branch and a sentiment in Charcoal Suit ink.

What makes this card stand out is the subtle watercoloring added to the branch using the Altenew 36 Pan Watercolor Set. With just a few brush strokes, the branch came to life—rich in tone, soft in texture, and full of visual interest. The simplicity of the layout allows the detailed coloring to take center stage. It’s a perfect example of how less can truly be more when the details are done well.

Final Thoughts: Let the Details Shine

Each of these cards explores a different way to highlight beauty through thoughtful touches. Whether you’re reaching for a fine liner, layering vellum, blending ink, or adding just the right amount of color with a paintbrush, it’s the little things that set your cards apart.

If you’re looking to grow your cardmaking skills, challenge yourself to:

• Add hand-drawn lines for a sketchbook feel
• Use only part of a stamp to create new compositions
• Explore subtle coloring techniques with watercolor or markers
• Incorporate texture with vellum or glitter
• Keep it simple and let one element shine

The Beautiful Details class reminded me that you don’t need to do more—you just need to do the right amount. Every card becomes a canvas, and every detail becomes a brushstroke of creativity.

The post Altenew Class: Beautiful Details appeared first on Crafted by Loretta Anne.

Color is one of the most powerful tools in a cardmaker’s toolbox. It can set the mood, evoke emotion, and bring your creative vision to life with just a single shade. In this blog post, I’m excited to take you on a vibrant journey through the rainbow—one handmade card at a time! Each project showcases a specific color, along with its unique emotional energy, utilizing some of my favorite Altenew supplies and a range of coloring techniques. From bold reds that express love and energy, to calming blues that soothe the soul, each card tells a color story of its own.

Whether I’m blending crisp Altenew inks, watercoloring with their Artist Watercolor Pan Set, or layering bold die-cuts and stenciled backgrounds, I’ll be sharing how each color inspired the design and how it can impact the overall feel of your card. Ready to see how mood meets medium? Let’s dive into a colorful collection of creativity!

Card One: Radiant Red – A Burst of Energy and Passion

I began this colorful journey with red—a hue that instantly commands attention. Red is the color of passion, strength, and excitement. It’s bold, unapologetic, and full of life, making it the perfect choice for a card that celebrates love, motivation, or bold beginnings.

For this project, I reached for one of my favorite Altenew floral stamp and die sets, Dazzling Flowers: Cineraria, a perfect match for red’s romantic and powerful nature. I stamped the image with Permanent Black Ink onto watercolor cardstock and brought it to life using the Altenew inks Crimson, Velvet, Heartbeat, Eucalyptus, Forest Fern, and Berry Mocha. I focused on the rich crimson and scarlet tones. I layered the petals with reds and a hint of a deep red in the shadows to give the flower dramatic depth and movement.

The sentiment, “You Inspire Me,” from the Label Love stamp set, was stamped in Heartbeat on a white cardstock for a striking contrast.

This card is bold, expressive, and full of heart—just like the color red. Whether you’re celebrating a friend’s success, sending love, or simply want to lift someone’s spirits, red brings the fire and flair to make your message unforgettable.

Card Two: Outstanding Orange – A Symbol of Health and Courage

Next in our color journey is orange—a warm, uplifting hue that radiates vitality, creativity, and confidence. Orange often symbolizes health, encouragement, and bravery, making it a wonderful choice for cards meant to uplift and inspire. Its vibrant glow feels like a gentle sunrise, reminding us to keep going and keep growing.

For this card, I used the One of a Kind stamp set as the background focal point. Stamped onto watercolor paper, it offered just the right amount of texture for an organic, artistic look. I used the ink-watercolor technique with Altenew dye inks—Orange Cream, Sunkissed, Firebrick, and Marshland—to create a radiant burst of blended color. The result was a bold, sun-washed background with pops of warm depth and earthy undertones.

The sentiment “Keep Shining” from the Sunny Sentiments stamp set was the perfect finishing touch. I popped it up with foam adhesive to create contrast and dimension. This simple, encouraging phrase shines brightly against the background, echoing the card’s warm and courageous tone.

To complete the design, I added a few Warm and Cozy Enamel Dots, strategically placed to guide the eye and tie in the orange palette. These little accents bring just the right amount of playful sparkle.

This orange-themed card feels like a warm hug and a pep talk all in one—perfect for cheering someone on, sending support, or reminding a friend of their strength.

Card Three: Hello, Yellow – A Burst of Energy and Cheer

After the warmth of orange, we turn to the sunny side of the color wheel with yellow—a color that radiates joy, optimism, and light. Yellow is often associated with energy, creativity, and happiness. It’s like sending a little bit of sunshine through the mail, perfect for celebrating life’s bright moments.

For this cheerful card, I chose Altenew’s Enamel Flowers stamp set. The whimsical floral images were the perfect fit for a playful and vibrant yellow color palette. I began by stamping the flowers and using a combination of Altenew Vanilla Cream, Sunkissed, Mixed Media Ink in Buttercream, and Catherine Pooler’s Sauna in a watercolor technique. Layering these shades gave the petals depth while maintaining their sunny glow.

To add contrast and texture, I layered vellum over a piece of complementary patterned paper. This softened the background and gave the florals a floating, airy feel.

For the sentiment, I reached for the “Congrats” stamp from Altenew’s Label Love set. Stamped in yellow, it added a modern, graphic touch that balanced the softness of the vellum and floral elements.

A few shimmering sequins scattered across the card added the perfect bit of sparkle—like sunshine dancing on morning dew. They gave the whole piece a celebratory vibe, enhancing the feeling of joy and accomplishment.

This card is the embodiment of happiness in paper form—perfect for graduations, new jobs, or any milestone worth celebrating with a burst of cheer.

Card Four: Glorious Green – A Soothing Touch of Nature

From the brightness of yellow, we move into the calming and grounded world of green—a color that speaks to renewal, tranquility, and growth. Green is soothing to the eye and soul, often associated with nature, healing, and balance. It’s a gentle reminder to pause, breathe, and reconnect.

For this card, I leaned into those natural vibes using Altenew’s Modern Monsteras Stencil on watercolor paper. The organic shape of the monstera leaves paired perfectly with a layered stamp technique to create a soft, flowing background. I blended several rich shades of green—Marshland, Jade, Eucalyptus, and Forest Fern—allowing the inks to layer for a dreamy, botanical effect.

To let the leafy background take center stage, I kept the layout simple and clean. The sentiment, “You are naturally beautiful,” from the Grown with Love stamp set, was stamped in a matching green ink to echo the theme of natural beauty and inner strength. The monochromatic sentiment blends harmoniously into the background while still standing out with intention.

The textured watercolor paper added just the right amount of organic feel, enhancing the earthy, grounded emotion behind the card. I resisted the urge to over-embellish, using only some sequins, letting the color and shapes do all the talking.

This green card feels like a breath of fresh air—perfect for sending encouragement, reminding someone of their natural beauty, or simply offering a peaceful moment in a busy day.

Card Five: Beautiful Blue – Calm, Cool, and Confident

After exploring the grounding energy of green, we flow into the calm and tranquil world of blue. Often associated with peace, clarity, and reflection, blue has a quiet strength that brings serenity to any design. It’s a color that soothes the soul and speaks gently—perfect for messages of encouragement and authenticity.

For this card, I started with a soft, patterned paper base to create a subtle backdrop with texture and interest. Over that, I stamped Altenew’s Wispy Joy floral images onto watercolor paper that was brushed in a light blue ink, and backed them with vellum, where they could truly shine. Using Altenew inks in Nimbus, Eastern Sky, and Ultramarine, I created a soft gradient of blues across the petals through layering inks into a delicate wash of cool, calming tones.

The sentiment, “Stay True, Be You,” from the Sunny Sentiments set, was stamped in blue, complementing the florals while anchoring the card with its encouraging message. The deep blue ink gave the sentiment presence without overpowering the soft watercolor elements.

To add a touch of elegance and contrast, I included a narrow strip of Altenew’s Gilded Glitter Cardstock in Smoky Quartz. Its subtle shimmer gave the card a refined finish—just enough sparkle to catch the eye while maintaining the overall calm of the design.

This card is a gentle reminder to stay centered, stay kind, and stay yourself. Whether you’re lifting a friend’s spirits or simply sending a thoughtful hello, blue brings a calming, steady energy to any sentiment.

Card Six: Peaceful Purple – A Touch of Compassion and Creativity

We now arrive at purple—a color that blends the calm of blue and the energy of red to create a hue that feels both compassionate and uplifting. Purple often symbolizes imagination, wisdom, and kindness. It’s a color with depth and gentleness, making it a beautiful choice for cards meant to encourage, comfort, or inspire self-love.

For this heartfelt design, I used Altenew’s Mini Delight: Petite Posy stamp set to create a soft floral background on watercolor paper. The small, delicate blossoms were watercolored in layers using Pale Mauve, Razzleberry, and a hint of Misty Mint for the leaves. I also brought in Momento Ink in Elderberry to deepen some of the flower details, adding contrast and richness to the pastel palette.

The sentiment, “I hope you feel beautiful today,” from Altenew’s Build-A-Flower: Anemone set, was stamped in Razzleberry, echoing the florals and anchoring the message with warmth and sincerity. This phrase paired perfectly with the gentle purples—kind and encouraging, just like the color itself.

To add a bit of texture and shine, I scattered Altenew’s Sugar Plum Enamel Dots across the card front. Their glossy finish added a whimsical, playful detail without overpowering the soft watercolor look.

This card is a gentle hug in paper form—perfect for lifting someone’s spirits, celebrating quiet strength, or simply reminding someone how wonderful they truly are.

Card Seven: Pretty in Pink – Sensitive, Sweet, and Full of Heart

It only feels right to include pink—a color that exudes sweetness, sensitivity, and heartfelt emotion. Pink is often associated with love, kindness, and compassion, making it the perfect hue for cards that uplift, encourage, or simply say “I’m thinking of you.”

For this soft and cheerful card, I used Altenew’s Celebrate Layering Stamps to build a lovely floral scene on watercolor paper backed with patterned paper. The layers came to life with a dreamy blend of Pink Diamond, Pinkalicious, and Coral Bliss—a trio that offered both gentle lightness and rich pink tones. For the leaves, I used Jade, which added a cool contrast and grounded the warm pinks beautifully.

The sentiment, “I think you are Amazing,” from the Sunny Sentiments stamp set, felt just right for this card’s gentle tone. Stamped in a coordinating pink, it radiates positivity and warmth—like a kind word from a close friend.

To finish the design, I sprinkled a few sequins across the background. These little sparkles added a delicate shimmer and playful movement, echoing the soft and sweet feel of the color pink.

This card feels like a note tucked inside a bouquet—sincere, tender, and thoughtful. Whether it’s for a friend who needs a boost or a loved one just because, pink brings a sense of closeness and gentle joy that’s impossible to ignore.

Card Eight: Radiant Rainbow – A Celebration of Cheer and Optimism

What better way to conclude our colorful cardmaking journey than with a rainbow—a symbol of hope, joy, and new beginnings. Rainbows combine the emotional energy of every hue we’ve explored into one bright, cheerful spectrum. They remind us that beauty often follows the storm, and that there’s always something worth celebrating.

For this final card, I used Altenew’s Fireworks Stamp Set to create a festive, energetic background on watercolor paper. I blended Altenew inks in Buttercream Mixed Media Ink, Heartbeat, Forest Fern, and Ultramarine, letting each color radiate outward like a burst of light. The watercolor paper allowed the inks to flow and mingle softly, capturing the magical feel of a rainbow in motion.

I layered the stamped panel over a piece of green glitter cardstock, which added sparkle and dimension, perfectly echoing the celebratory tone of the card. The glitter backing catches the light and gives the design that extra dose of joy and movement.

The sentiment, a simple but powerful “celebrate” from the same Fireworks set, was stamped to remind us to embrace the happy moments—big or small.

This rainbow-inspired card is all about positivity, possibility, and pure delight. It’s perfect for birthdays, milestones, or just a spontaneous reminder that life is worth celebrating.

Final Thoughts

From the fiery reds to the calming blues, from soft pastels to vibrant rainbows, this journey through color has been such a rewarding creative adventure. Each hue brought its own emotion and personality, transforming our cards into mini reflections of love, encouragement, joy, and strength.

I hope this color series has inspired you to think more intentionally about how you use color in your own cardmaking. Whether you’re reaching for bold tones or soft shades, remember: every card you create tells a story—and color is one of your most powerful storytellers.

Thanks for following along! Let me know in the comments which color inspired you most—or share your own rainbow creation. Keep creating, keep celebrating, and above all, stay colorful!

The post Altenew Class: In The Mood For Color appeared first on Crafted by Loretta Anne.

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve officially completed Level One of the Altenew Educator Certification Program and earned my Level One Badge! This journey has been such a rewarding and creative experience—from exploring new techniques to experimenting with fresh ideas for cardmaking. Each class pushed me to grow, and I’ve loved every moment of it.

Now, I’m beyond excited to be moving on to Level Two, where I’ll continue learning and refining my skills. I can’t wait to share more of what I’m discovering—along with new card designs, inspiration, and tips that I hope will encourage you in your own crafting adventures. Stay tuned—this is just the beginning!

Level Two Begins: Beyond Basic Backgrounds with Altenew

I’m excited to kick off Level Two of the Altenew Educator Certification Program with the first course: Beyond Basic Backgrounds! This class is all about transforming your card designs by creating backgrounds that truly wow.

In Beyond Basic Backgrounds, we learned how to elevate our handmade cards by focusing on the often-overlooked foundation: the background! The techniques taught in this class take cards from simple to stunning, using creative approaches with stamps, inks, dies, stencils, and more. Whether it’s subtle texture or bold visual impact, these backgrounds set the perfect stage for your focal elements.

Here’s a closer look at what this class offers:

Class Features:

• Six in-depth, step-by-step video tutorials featuring exclusive projects.
• Independent learning format—enjoy the lessons at your own pace.
• High-quality project photos to inspire and guide your creativity.
• Unlimited access to class content—anytime, anywhere, as many times as you’d like!

I especially enjoyed how the instructor shared fun tips and techniques to improve our use of background stamps, embossing folders, ink blending, and layering. These are the kind of details that can really make your cards look polished and professionally designed. And best of all, the techniques are completely adaptable—you can use them with your favorite Altenew products or mix them with what you already have in your stash.

I’m excited to share some of the cards I created during this class! From soft and subtle backgrounds that add just the right amount of interest, to bold textures that steal the show—this course has sparked new ideas for my cardmaking.

If you’re looking to elevate your card designs and add a fresh layer of interest to your projects, I highly recommend checking out Beyond Basic Backgrounds. It’s packed with inspiration and techniques that you’ll reach for again and again.

See below for some of my finished projects from the class!

This fun Thank You card was made using the following Altenew products:

• Grid Stencil
• Enamel Flower Stamp
• Warm & Cozy Enamel Dots
• Inks: Tea Party Set
  • Pink Pearl
  • Coral Bliss
  • Heart Beat
  • Berry Mocha

This Just For You card was made using these Altenew products:

• Dazzling Flowers: Cineraria Stamp
• Antique Gold Embossing Powder
• Embossing Ink
• Label Love Stamps
• Ink: Aqua Island Set
  • Mint Chocolate
  • Pool
  • Mystic Lake
  • Teal Tempest

The post Altenew Class: Beyond Basic Backgrounds appeared first on Crafted by Loretta Anne.

Adventure Awaits!

My First Altenew Challenge

After completing the first group of 10 classes and 10 projects, I’ve officially stepped into the next phase of my journey with the Altenew Educator Certification Program. I’m so excited to share my very first challenge with you—and it’s all about crafting a coordinated gift set with a chosen theme.

The Theme: Adventure

The theme I selected for this gift set is Adventure. To me, adventure can take many forms—a new relationship, a big life change, or even an exciting vacation. I wanted these cards to feel joyful, breezy, and full of possibility. That’s why I went for a beach-y vibe using stamps with coastal imagery and a soft, inviting palette of pink, peach, teal, and blue. Whether you’re sending off a friend on a new journey or celebrating a special escape, these cards are designed to inspire a sense of wanderlust and wonder.

Incorporating Level 1 Techniques

One of the requirements for this challenge was to incorporate at least three techniques learned from the Level 1 AECP courses. Honestly, I now find it nearly impossible to craft without pulling in a bit of everything I’ve learned! But for this project, I focused on three standout techniques:

• Easy Die Cutting – Clean cuts, embossing with dies, and visual interest all made simple.
• Easy Ink Blending – Soft gradients and colorful backdrops that bring the beachy tones to life.
• Let It Shine – Adding shimmer and sparkle to elevate the look and give each card a celebratory finish.

You’ll see each of these techniques play an important role in bringing the gift set together.

Upcycled Packaging

Another fun twist to this challenge was incorporating an upcycled element. For this, I repurposed a sturdy and stylish box that came with one of my Your Paper Insider quarterly boxes. It was the perfect size for packaging my card set, and with a few creative touches, it now complements the overall theme beautifully. I love giving old packaging a second life—it adds both character and sustainability to the project.

Gathering Supplies

When I started planning for this challenge, I already had a strong vision in mind—from the color palette to the embellishments and stamp sets I wanted to use. Having that clear direction made the prep process feel just as exciting as the creating!

The first thing I did was head straight to my ink collection and pull out the colors that best captured the beachy, adventurous vibe: soft pinks, warm peaches, cool teals, and calming blues. These colors would set the tone for the entire gift set and helped guide my other design choices.

Next, I sifted through my stamp sets, dies, and stencils, curating a mix that would allow me to play with texture and dimension while staying true to the theme. I selected images and sentiments that evoke adventure, exploration, and joy—perfect for celebrating.

To bring in some extra shine and detail, I gathered a few favorite embellishments, including Altenew’s enamel dots and embossing powders for a bit of added texture. I also picked out some vellum, which I love for soft layering—it gives cards an airy, almost ethereal feel, just right for a dreamy, seaside-inspired look.

Making the Pieces

With my supplies gathered, I jumped into the fun part—making all the elements that would come together to form this gift set.

I began by stamping a variety of sentiments onto white cardstock. This step helped me get a feel for how the ink colors looked once dry, which can sometimes be a little different than how they appear when freshly applied. I also tested a few of the inks on colored cardstock, just to explore my options. While I loved how vibrant some of the colors looked on white, I found that many of them didn’t show up quite the way I wanted on the colored paper. So in the end, you’ll see that most of the final pieces were done on white or lightly toned backgrounds for the clearest results.

Even though I knew I wouldn’t use every sentiment I stamped, I didn’t see that as waste—I simply tucked the extras into the envelope with the coordinating stamp set for future projects. It’s a little system that works well for me and helps me stay organized for the next burst of creativity.

The process for the stamped and die-cut images was similar. I made a big batch—cutting, inking, and embossing different elements using my selected dies and stamps. Some pieces were finished off with glitter accents or heat embossing for that “Let It Shine” sparkle. I love how these small touches elevate a card and make it feel extra special. Once again, I didn’t end up using every single piece, but nothing goes to waste around here! All the leftover bits were sorted into envelopes with their stamp sets for future inspiration.

This phase was all about exploration and play—trying things out, mixing and matching, and letting creativity lead the way. With my key components now ready, I was excited to start building the individual cards and bring the Adventure theme to life.

Making the Cards

With all of my elements prepped and ready, it was time to bring the cards to life! I created several sets, each with its own unique twist while staying cohesive through the Adventure theme and consistent color palette.

First Set – Ink Blended Backgrounds and Painted Die Cuts

This set began with one of my favorite techniques from the Easy Ink Blending class: blended ink backgrounds. I wanted a soft, breezy feel, so I layered coordinating colors to create gentle transitions reminiscent of sand, ocean skies, and waves.

To bring in a fun coordinating detail, I added scrapbooking paper—in matching tones—to the envelopes, giving the whole set an extra touch of personality.

From the same ink blending course, I also experimented with using ink and water as paint for some of the die-cut elements. It gave them a relaxed, almost watercolor look, which worked perfectly with the adventurous, beachy vibe. For shine, I added a few coordinating enamel dots and a touch of sparkle using a glitter pen, tying in the Let It Shine class techniques.

Second Set – Stenciled Ombre Backgrounds and Soft Layers

This set is built on the techniques from the first, with the focus shifting to stenciled ink blending. I used a stencil to create interesting patterns and gave each background an ombre effect using coordinating Altenew inks. The gradual blending brought beautiful depth to the design.

To add dimension, I popped up the focal elements using double-sided foam adhesive from Altenew—such a simple tool that really brings cards to life.

Third Set – Stamped Background

One new element in this set was stamping directly onto the background, which gave the cards a seamless, polished look. I also introduced vellum layers to soften the composition, letting the color peek through while balancing the boldness of the stamps.

Fourth Set – Classic Stencil with a Twist

For this set, I reached into my stash and used a stencil from an older collection. It still had plenty of life left in it! I paired it with fresh ink colors from Altenew, giving the designs a modern refresh.

Again, I layered vellum in front of some of the focal points to mute and soften the stronger ink tones. The finishing touches came with enamel dots for a bit of texture and a heat-embossed sentiment, which added elegance and that signature Let It Shine sparkle.

Final Set – Embossed Elegance

This last set is probably my favorite—and also the simplest. Sometimes, less really is more!

I used an embossing folder to create a textured background, adding instant visual interest without overwhelming the design. Then I layered a band of scrapbook paper and a strip of vellum across the card for a polished yet airy look.

To finish it off, I added enamel dots to match the color scheme and bring a bit of playfulness. The result? Clean, simple cards with texture, balance, and a subtle nod to the adventure theme.

The Packaging

The final portion of this challenge was to create a gift box to house the card sets—a finishing touch that really pulls everything together and gives the project that special, polished feel.

For my box, I chose to upcycle a sturdy container from one of my Your Paper Insider quarterly boxes. It was the perfect size and shape, and I loved the idea of giving it a second life. To dress it up and stay on theme, I covered the outside with scrapbook paper that coordinated with the colors of the card sets. I also added a few die-cut embellishments that echoed the designs used on the cards, creating a cohesive look across the entire gift set.

For a little extra flair (and function), I created a decorative band to wrap around the box using more scrapbook paper layered with vellum. The vellum softened the pattern and gave the box an elegant, beachy finish that tied everything together beautifully.

Inside, I lined the box with sparkling tissue paper, which added just the right amount of shimmer. I gently laid the card sets and coordinating envelopes side-by-side—one designed with a more “his” feel, and one more “hers”—then folded the tissue around them like a gentle wrap.

The final presentation had that gifted feel I was going for—thoughtful, handcrafted, and truly reflective of the Adventure theme. It was so rewarding to see everything come together, from the ink blending to the upcycled packaging, in one cohesive and meaningful gift set.

Final Thoughts

This first Altenew Educator challenge was such a rewarding experience. It pushed me to not only apply what I’ve learned from the Level 1 courses, but also to think intentionally about design, coordination, and presentation as a whole. From selecting a cohesive theme and color palette to exploring techniques like ink blending, die cutting, embossing, and adding shine, I felt like I was able to stretch creatively while staying grounded in the fundamentals I’ve been practicing.

I especially loved the opportunity to incorporate upcycling into this project. Giving new life to an old box added a layer of purpose to the packaging and reminded me that creativity doesn’t always require brand-new materials—sometimes the best pieces are already in your stash, just waiting for a new story.

More than anything, this challenge reminded me of how much joy there is in creating with intention. Every card in this gift set was designed with celebration in mind—for adventures in love, life, or travel—and it was such a joy to imagine the hands they might end up in.

I’m so grateful to be part of the AECP journey, and I can’t wait to take on the next challenge with even more knowledge, confidence, and creativity.

Altenew Supply List

• Enjoy Your Jouney stamp and die set
• Summer Wishes stamp, die, and stencil set
• Sunny Sentiments stamp set
• Greatest Adventure stamp
• Anywhere With You stamp
• Say Yes stamp
• Liquid Marble stencil
• Magnolia Dreams embossing folder
• Enamel Dots:
  • Sugar Plums
  • Dried Petals
  • Sea Shore
• Double-sided foam adhesive shapes
• Embossing power:
  • Pure White
  • Golden Peach
• Inks:
  • Blush
  • Pink Pearl
  • Coral Bliss
  • Mint Chocolate
  • Pool
  • Mystic Lake
  • Teal Tempest
  • Pink Diamond
  • Hazelnut
  • Vanilla Cream
  • Minty Mint
  • Pastel Sunrise
  • Eastern Sky
  • Numbus
  • Misty Morning
  • Sea Breeze
  • Sunkissed
  • Limeade
  • Razzelberry
  • Pinkalicious
  • Embossing Ink

Scrapbook Paper: Craftsmart Travelouge

The post Altenew: Level 1 Final appeared first on Crafted by Loretta Anne.

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve officially completed my final course in Level 1 of the Altenew Educator Certification Program (AECP)! This last class was all about creating seasonal scenes on our cards—and what a fun and inspiring way to finish this level.

This course opened up a whole new world of creativity with fresh ideas for scene-building. Seasonal cards are always a favorite to make, whether it’s a cozy winter landscape, a springtime floral garden, or a warm autumn view. This class challenged us to stretch our imagination and layer our designs in new and exciting ways.

Below is a collection of the seasonal cards I created during this course, showcasing a variety of themes.

Window Scene Card

These cards feature a window scene with alcohol markers, soft inking, and layered stamping. I love how they frame the views like a real window!

These offer a beautiful “peek-through” effect that adds depth and interest. They’re perfect for showcasing a seasonal view, like snow falling outside or flowers blooming just beyond the pane.

For this card, the window is to the inside of the card. It gives the feel of being in a living room, looking at the Farmer’s Market outside.

The Altenew products used are Grown with Love stamp set and the following Altenew Inks:

• Milk Chocolate
• Charcoal Suit
• Forest Green
• Eucalyptus
• Silver Sage
• Blush
• Rouge
• Velvet
• Crimson
• Sicilian Amber
• Pale Mauve
• Eastern Sky
• Yellow Ochre

For this card, the window view is to a mountain path. It is meant to mimic that fairy tale scene that has you wondering what is about to happen. It would have looked a bit better if I had added some clouds with vellum.

This card was made with the Altenew Once Upon a Time stamp set and the following Altenew Inks:

• Forest Fern
• Misty Morning
• Silver Sage
• Jade

Shaker Card Close-up

The next card is a fun and festive shaker card with sequins and a colorful fall flower theme. The movement brings the scene to life!

These cards are always a crowd-pleaser! Adding movement and sparkle makes the scene interactive and engaging. I loved how this technique brought a playful touch to my seasonal themes.

This card was made using the Altenew Build-a-Flower: Anemone stamp and die set. The Altenew inks used were:

• Jade
• Eucalyptus
• Pale Mauve
• Milk Chocolate
• Hazelnut
• Vanilla Cream

Masking Technique in Progress

I used the masking technique to layer images and keep everything clean and crisp. This is a classic technique that’s essential for building layered scenes. It allows you to control the placement of elements and create a cohesive flow in your design.

In this card, the masking technique was used to make the leaves look like they are coming out from behind the flowers. It was also used to layer the flowers.

The Altenew products used this make this card are Enamel Flowers stamps, Dried Petal Enamel Dots, and the following Altenew inks:

• Pale Mauve
• Soft Lilac
• Lavendar Fields
• Nimubs
• Misty Morning
• Eastern Sky

Other Cards Created During This Course

Each of these techniques not only adds visual interest but also helps tell a story through the card. I walked away from this course with fresh inspiration and confidence to keep experimenting with scenes in future projects.

The following two cards were inspired by the lessons in this course. The first one, with the baroque design, was made from Altenew’s Beautiful Baroque Stencil and Embossing Folder. The sentiment is from Altenew’s Celebrate Us stamp set. And, finally, the Altenew inks used were Nimbus, Eastern Sky, and Misty Morning.

The last card was made using the Altenew Little Mushroom House stamp set and Misty Morning Ink. It was colored in with alcohol markers.

Completing this class—and Level 1 of the AECP—feels like a huge milestone. I’m grateful for all the skills I’ve gained and excited to continue my journey in this program. Stay tuned as I move into Level 2!

Have you tried creating seasonal scenes on your cards? I’d love to hear what techniques you enjoy most!

The post Altenew Class: Seasonal Scene Building appeared first on Crafted by Loretta Anne.

My feature card in this class was made using the Altenew You’re a Classic stamp and die set.

Here are my other cards!

Some of the fun things I did with these cards were using a spring for movement (the birds on the thanks card), splattering (on the cityscape), and layering stamps (on the classic car). These were fun!!

The post Altenew Class: For The Guys appeared first on Crafted by Loretta Anne.

When I got to this class, I started to feel a bit more in the groove. Again, I learned a lot of new inking techniques.

I need to work on my watercolor painting. But, I think that is actually a future class. Either way, I had a lot of fun playing with the inks.

The post Altenew Class: Irresistible Inking Techniques appeared first on Crafted by Loretta Anne.