You're the Best by Par! ⛳

If you've ever played golf, you know there are two kinds of golfers.

There are the golfers who confidently stride up to the first tee, envisioning birdies and eagles.

And then there are the rest of us... the ones who spend half the round searching for golf balls in the rough, the woods, and occasionally a neighboring postal code.

This week's card is dedicated to all of them!

Featuring a fun golf-themed design and the sentiment "You're the BEST BY PAR!", this handmade card is perfect for Father's Day, birthdays, retirement celebrations, or simply letting the golfer in your life know they're a cut above the rest—even if their scorecard occasionally suggests otherwise.

Building a Mini Golf Course

Creating this card felt a little like designing my own golf course. I started with a textured green background and added several fairways scattered across the card front. Of course, no golf course would be complete without a few water hazards and sand traps strategically placed to challenge even the most seasoned golfer.

(And let's be honest... that's exactly where many of us would land our first shot!)

To bring the scene to life, I added flags on each green, clusters of trees and bushes, and a bright red golf cart ready for a leisurely drive around the course.

The golf cart might actually be my favorite part of the design. Unlike real golf carts, this one never runs out of battery power and never gets parked too close to the water hazard.

The Perfect Sentiment

The sentiment, "You're the BEST BY PAR!", adds just the right amount of golf humor. It's a playful compliment that any golfer can appreciate, whether they're shooting under par or simply celebrating making it through 18 holes with the same golf ball they started with.

That's a victory worth celebrating!

Handmade Cards for Every Interest

One of the things I love most about cardmaking is creating cards that reflect someone's hobbies and passions. Whether it's golf, gardening, sports, crafting, or another favorite pastime, a handmade card can make the recipient feel extra special because it was designed just for them.

And unlike a round of golf, there's no dress code, no green fees, and no risk of losing a dozen balls before lunch.

Now that's my kind of hobby!

Until next time, may your cards be perfectly aligned, your adhesive stick where it's supposed to, and your golf balls stay safely on the fairway.

Happy crafting! ⛳💚 

#GolfHumor #BestByPar #GolfLife #GolfGift #MasculineCards #SportsCards #DIYCards #PaperCraft 
#CreativeCards

The Magic of a Faux Belly Band Card

One of the things I love most about card making is creating designs that surprise and delight
the recipient. Today's card is a perfect example of that—a beautiful Faux Belly Band Card that isn't quite what it appears to be at first glance!

When you first see this card, it looks like a traditional belly band card. The center band wraps across the front, giving the impression that it slides off to reveal the card inside. But that's where the magic begins.

This clever design is actually a Faux Belly Band. The side panels are hidden behind the card front, creating an optical illusion that tricks the eye. When the card is opened, the center band pops forward, revealing the interactive design and adding an unexpected "wow" factor that recipients love.

Beautiful Details from Front to Back

For this project, I wanted to create a card that felt bright, cheerful, and a little magical.

The background was embossed using the Swirls of Magic Embossing Folder, which adds
wonderful texture and movement throughout the design. The sentiment panel was created using the Stitched So Sweetly Dies, providing a soft, elegant frame that complements the playful balloons.

The balloons were coloured with Stampin' Blends in Azure Afternoon, Summer Splash, and Balmy Blue. These shades work beautifully together to create a fresh and uplifting colour palette. To make the balloons truly shine, I added a touch of Wink of Stella, giving them a subtle sparkle that catches the light and adds an extra bit of magic.

A Special Touch Inside

The inside of the card is just as important as the outside. Beautiful pieces of Splash of
Sparkle Designer Series Paper flank both sides of the center panel, adding colour and visual interest while still leaving plenty of room for a personal message.

One detail I particularly enjoy is that the decorating doesn't stop when the card closes. The back of the card is also embellished, creating a finished and professional look from every angle. It's those little extra touches that help transform a handmade card into a keepsake.

More Than Just a Card

What makes this design special isn't just the products used—it's the experience it creates. The recipient first sees what appears to be a traditional card, only to discover a hidden interactive element when they open it. That moment of surprise is one of the reasons I love creating fun-fold cards.

Sometimes the most magical projects are the ones that aren't quite what they seem.

Happy crafting!

— Tracie
Cards by Tracie

#CardsByTracie #HandmadeCards #CardMaking #FauxBellyBandCard #FunFoldCard #InteractiveCards #StampinUp #SwirlsOfMagic #SplashOfSparkle #StampinBlends #WinkOfStella #StitchedSoSweetly #BirthdayCards #HappyMail #PaperCrafting #HandmadeWithLove #CreativeCards

Tee-rific Greetings for the Golfer in Your Life

 A Hole-in-One Card for the Golfer in Your Life

If you have a golfer in your family, you know that golf isn't just a
hobby—it's a passion! Whether they're spending weekends on the fairway, perfecting their swing, or sharing stories about their latest round, a golf-themed card is a fun and thoughtful way to celebrate them.

One of my latest handmade creations features a charming golf design that's sure to bring a smile to any golf enthusiast. With its playful imagery and lighthearted feel, it's perfect for birthdays, Father's Day, retirement celebrations, congratulations, or simply letting someone know you're thinking of them.

What I love most about card making is how easy it is to customize a design to suit the recipient. For example, changing the colour of the golf bag can completely transform the look of this card. A brighter colour creates a fun, cheerful vibe, while darker shades such as navy, forest green, charcoal, or black give the card a more masculine and classic golf-club feel. Small changes like these allow a single design to work for a variety of occasions and personalities.

Handmade cards offer something special that store-bought cards often can't match. Each card is carefully crafted with attention to detail, making it a keepsake that recipients will appreciate long after the occasion has passed.

And let's be honest—who wouldn't enjoy receiving a card that's a little above par? After all, the best cards don't just deliver a message; they create a moment of joy.

If you're looking for a unique card for the golfer in your life, this design is available from Cards by Tracie. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply making someone's day, this card is ready to help you score a hole-in-one.

Happy crafting and happy golfing!

#CardsByTracie #HandmadeCards #GolfCard #GolfGreetingCard #GolfLover #GolfLife #GolfGift #HandmadeWithLove #CardMaking #PaperCrafting #GreetingCards #HandmadeCardMaker #MasculineCards #CardmakingIdeas #DIYCards #Golfing #GolfHumor #TeeTime #AbovePar #HoleInOne #Handcrafted #SupportSmallBusiness #ShopHandmade #MadeWithStampinUp #StampinUp

Handmade Father's Day Cards – A Special Way to Celebrate Dad

Father's Day is quickly approaching, and it's the perfect opportunity
to let the special dads in our lives know how much they are appreciated.

While gifts are always appreciated, a heartfelt card often becomes one of the most treasured keepsakes. Taking a moment to write a personal message can mean more than any store-bought gift. Whether you're celebrating your father, stepfather, grandfather, husband, or another father figure, a thoughtful card is a simple yet meaningful way to express your gratitude.

One of my latest Father's Day cards was created using the beautiful Lakeside Retreat Paper Pumpkin Kit. Inspired by peaceful outdoor adventures and relaxing moments by the water, this design captures the spirit of many cherished father-child memories. The calming colors and nature-inspired imagery make it a wonderful choice for Father's Day.

Handmade cards offer something unique that mass-produced cards simply can't match. Each card is crafted with care and attention to detail, creating a personal touch that helps make your message even more special.

If you're still looking for the perfect Father's Day card, this design is available through Cards by Tracie. Be sure to order early to ensure your card arrives in time for Father's Day.

After all, Father's Day comes only once a year—and every dad deserves to know just how much he is loved and appreciated.

Happy Father's Day!

#FathersDay #HandmadeCard #GreetingCards #CardsByTracie #PaperPumpkin #LakesideRetreat #HandmadeWithLove #ShopLocal #FathersDayCard #CardMaking

Let Your Designer Paper Shine with the Scalloped Wishes Bundle

One of the joys of card making is finding creative ways to showcase beautiful designer
paper while still creating layers, dimension, and focal points. That's exactly what inspired today's card featuring the Scalloped Wishes Bundle, Golden Glow Cardstock, and the stunning Blooms Boutique Designer Series Paper.

The warm golden tones of the cardstock create a rich and elegant foundation for the card, while the floral patterns in the Blooms Boutique DSP add softness, color, and visual interest. Together, they create a design that feels both sophisticated and inviting.

A Unique Layering Technique

The standout feature of this card is the arrangement of three layered scalloped ovals. Rather than using solid layers that completely cover the background, two of the scalloped ovals are designed to frame the patterned paper beneath them. This allows the Blooms Boutique DSP to remain visible and become an integral part of the overall design.

By creating openings within the layered ovals, the designer paper serves as both a background and a decorative element. The floral patterns peek through the scalloped frames, adding depth and interest without requiring additional embellishments.

The third oval serves as the focal point for the sentiment, creating a balanced composition that naturally draws the eye to the greeting while still allowing the beautiful paper to shine.

Why This Layout Works

Sometimes we fall in love with a piece of designer paper only to cover most of it with layers and embellishments. This layout solves that challenge by incorporating the DSP into the design itself.

The layered scalloped ovals provide:

• Dimension without excessive bulk

• Visual interest through overlapping shapes

• Opportunities to showcase designer paper

• A clean focal area for sentiments

• A versatile design suitable for many occasions

The result is a card that feels detailed and layered while still highlighting the beauty of the patterned paper.

Endless Possibilities

Although this card was created using Golden Glow Cardstock and Blooms Boutique Designer Series Paper, the layout can easily be adapted to other color combinations and paper collections. Simply swap the designer paper, sentiment, or embellishments to create cards for birthdays, thank-you notes, congratulations, thinking-of-you cards, and more.

Layouts like this are wonderful to keep in your crafting toolbox because they allow you to feature your favorite papers while creating an elegant finished project.

Featured Products

• Scalloped Wishes Bundle

• Golden Glow Cardstock

• Blooms Boutique Designer Series Paper

This project is a wonderful reminder that sometimes the best way to showcase beautiful designer paper is to let it take center stage. By using layered frames rather than solid panels, you can create depth, dimension, and elegance while allowing those gorgeous patterns to shine through.

Happy crafting!

🏍️ Ride On, Dad! A Father's Day Card for the Adventurer at Heart 🏍️

Father's Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the dads, grandfathers, husbands, and
father figures who have guided us through life's journey. This year, I created a masculine card that captures the spirit of adventure and freedom using the Legendary Ride Stamp Set and elements from the Adventure Awaits Card Kit.

The focal point of this card is a striking motorcycle from the Legendary Ride collection, layered against a scenic mountain landscape. The rolling hills, towering pines, and open sky create the feeling of a peaceful ride through the countryside—perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors, road trips, or the thrill of the open road.

To complement the motorcycle, I incorporated die-cut scenery from the Adventure Awaits Card Kit. These pre-designed elements make it easy to create depth and dimension while adding a beautiful backdrop that enhances the overall design. The combination of rugged imagery and natural scenery creates a card that feels both masculine and heartfelt.

The sentiment, "Ride On – Happy Father's Day," serves as a fitting tribute to dads who continue to inspire us with their strength, wisdom, and adventurous spirit. Small details like the roadside sign and flame accents add extra character and help tell the story behind the design.

One of my favorite things about this card is its versatility. While it was created for Father's Day, the design could easily be adapted for birthdays, retirement celebrations, or simply to encourage someone embarking on a new adventure.

Handmade cards have a special way of expressing appreciation that store-bought cards often can't match. Taking the time to create something unique makes the message even more meaningful for the recipient.

I hope this project inspires you to combine different products and kits to create personalized cards for the special people in your life. Sometimes the most memorable designs come from mixing elements from different collections and letting your creativity lead the way.

Happy stamping and Happy Father's Day!

Products Featured:

• Legendary Ride Stamp Set (retired)

• Adventure Awaits Card Kit

Have a favorite masculine card design or Father's Day project? I'd love to hear about it in the comments!

🚲🌸 Pedal Into Creativity with the June Paper Pumpkin Kit – Bikes & Blooms! 🌸🚲

Note: Card images are for inspiration
 only and may not reflect the actual kit contents.

If you're looking for a fun and easy way to create beautiful handmade cards, the June Paper
Pumpkin Kit, Bikes & Blooms, is the perfect project for you!

This cheerful kit is filled with whimsical bicycle and floral designs that are sure to bring a smile to anyone's face. Whether you're sending a thank-you note, a heartfelt greeting, or a simple "thinking of you" message, these cards make it easy to share kindness through creativity.

✨ What's Included?

🌼 Create 9 all-occasion cards (3 each of 3 designs)
🚲 Whimsical bicycle and floral-themed artwork
💖 Shiny silver foil accents for an elegant touch
📬 Coordinating envelopes included
🎉 Perfect for thank-you notes, thinking-of-you cards, birthdays, and just-because messages

The soft colors, floral imagery, and charming bicycle theme combine to create cards that are perfect for celebrating everyday moments and spreading joy.

Why You'll Love This Kit

One of the things I love most about Paper Pumpkin is how convenient it is. Everything arrives in one box, making it easy to sit down and start creating right away. No need to hunt for supplies or spend time planning a project—the design work has already been done for you.

The Bikes & Blooms kit is especially delightful because it focuses on uplifting sentiments and feel-good moments. The silver foil accents add a touch of elegance, while the playful artwork keeps the designs fresh and fun.

Whether you're an experienced card maker or completely new to paper crafting, you'll enjoy creating these charming cards.

Don't Miss Out!

Paper Pumpkin kits are available by subscription only, and this month's kit is available until June 10.

If you'd like to receive the Bikes & Blooms kit, be sure to subscribe before the deadline:

Subscribe Here:
https://www.stampinup.ca/products/paper-pumpkin-subscription/?demoid=2002653

I can't wait to see the beautiful cards you'll create with this month's kit. Happy crafting!

Double Flap Envelope Cards – A Fun & Creative Card Making Technique

If you love interactive handmade cards with a unique twist, the
Double Flap Envelope Card technique is one you’ll definitely want to try!

Despite the name, this is not actually an envelope — it’s a beautiful folding card design that uses layered flaps to create the look and feel of an envelope while opening to reveal a heartfelt greeting inside. This technique adds dimension, elegance, and a fun interactive element that makes handmade cards even more special. This card was made with the Pretty Party kit.

What Is a Double Flap Envelope Card?

A Double Flap Envelope Card is a creative card fold featuring overlapping flaps that fold inward like an envelope. The layered design creates a stunning presentation and gives card makers endless opportunities to decorate with patterned paper, stamps, embellishments, ribbons, and sentiments.

The best part? It looks intricate and impressive, but it’s surprisingly fun & easy to create!

Endless Creative Possibilities

One of the things I love most about this card technique is how customizable it is. You can make it:

• Simple and elegant
• Bright and whimsical
• Seasonal and festive
• Vintage inspired
• Modern and minimalist

Add belly bands, ribbons, magnets, or decorative seals for even more personality and charm.

Check out all the card transitions.

#CardMaking #HandmadeCards #PaperCrafting #GreetingCards #InteractiveCards #CardsByTracie #Stamping #DIYCards #HappyMail #CreativeCardMaking

Cards by Tracie

Handmade Greeting Cards for Every Occasion

There’s something truly special about receiving a handmade greeting card. In a world of quick texts and digital messages, a handcrafted card shows thoughtfulness, creativity, and heart. That’s exactly what you’ll find in my collection at Cards by Tracie — unique handmade cards designed to help you celebrate life’s special moments in a meaningful way.

From birthdays and anniversaries to thank you cards, sympathy cards, and “just because” greetings, every card is carefully created with high-quality materials and attention to detail. Handmade greeting cards continue to be loved for their personal touch, artistic design, and ability to create a memorable experience for both the sender and recipient.

What makes handmade cards so special is that no two are exactly alike. Each design is crafted with layers, textures, stamping, die cuts, embellishments, and coordinating colours that make every card feel like a miniature work of art. Many card lovers and shoppers actively seek out locally made and handcrafted designs because they offer something more unique and heartfelt than mass-produced cards.

My card collection features:

• Birthday cards
• Thinking of You cards
• Anniversary cards
• Thank You cards
• Seasonal and holiday cards
• Interactive and specialty fold cards
• Custom order options

Whether you’re looking for a cheerful birthday greeting, an elegant floral design, or a fun interactive card, there’s something for every style and occasion. Handmade cards also make wonderful keepsakes that people often display long after the occasion has passed.

As a card maker based in Ottawa, Ontario, I love creating designs that bring joy and help people stay connected through thoughtful paper crafting. Supporting handmade also means supporting local creativity and small businesses within the crafting community.

Browse the latest collection here:
Greeting Cards For Sale

If you see a design you love, be sure to grab it quickly — many handmade cards are one-of-a-kind or available in limited quantities! Custom requests are also welcome for special occasions and personalized themes.

Gears, Texture & Interactive Fun! ⚙️

There’s just something so satisfying about an interactive card…
especially when it actually moves! Today’s project combines rugged industrial vibes with playful mechanics using the fabulous Gears & Textures bundle and the adventurous little car from the Adventure Awaits Kit.

This card may look detailed and technical, but the real magic happens when you give the gears a spin! The two larger gears are connected, so when one turns, the other spins right along with it. It creates such a fun hands-on experience and instantly turns this handmade card into something unforgettable.

The layered textures and metallic-inspired details from the Gears & Textures bundle give this card a bold masculine feel, while the vintage-style car adds a sense of adventure and movement. Together, they create the perfect combination of mechanical charm and creative fun.

Interactive cards always have that extra “wow” factor, and this one is no exception. It’s the kind of card that people can’t resist touching and playing with — because honestly, who doesn’t want to spin the gears just one more time? 😊

This design would work beautifully for:

• Birthdays
• Father’s Day
• Retirement cards
• Congratulations
• Anyone who loves cars, mechanics, or unique handmade cards

One of my favourite things about creating interactive cards is that they make the recipient feel even more connected to the card itself. Handmade cards are already special, but adding movement takes them to a whole new level.

Have you ever made an interactive card before? If not, this might just inspire you to give one a try! ⚙️🚗✨

💜🌿 Soft florals and dreamy colour combinations 🌿💜Charming Day

There’s something so calming and elegant about soft floral designs paired with cool, blended tones—and this handmade card brings those elements together beautifully. Created using the Charming Day bundle, this design combines the dreamy shades of Hydrangea Hue and Lost Lagoon for a look that feels peaceful, sophisticated, and timeless all at once.

The floral image becomes the star of the card, surrounded by the intricate detail of the Eyelet Bloom die cut. The delicate eyelet edges add such a soft, feminine touch and create the perfect frame for the stamped focal image. It’s one of those details that instantly elevates the design while still keeping the overall look light and graceful.

What I love most about this card is the colour combination. The gentle purple tones of Hydrangea Hue paired with the rich blue-green of Lost Lagoon create a beautiful harmony that feels both fresh and serene. Together, they almost give the card a watercolor-inspired softness that makes the floral image feel even more delicate.

Layering the floral panel over the Eyelet Bloom die cut also adds wonderful depth and texture without overwhelming the design. Sometimes the simplest layouts become the most striking when colour and texture work together naturally—and this card is a perfect example of that.

This design would work beautifully for so many occasions: birthdays, thinking of you cards, sympathy cards, or simply sending a little handmade kindness to brighten someone’s day. The soft tones and elegant details make it versatile while still feeling incredibly special.

And honestly… there’s just something magical about combining florals, intricate die cuts, and dreamy colour palettes 💜🌿

What colour combinations are inspiring you lately?

NEW CLASS 🌊☀️Soak in those peaceful lakeside vibes 🌊☀️

RELAXING WATERSIDE CLASS

DATE: JUNE 20, 2026.

REGISTRATION CLOSES JUNE 4, 2026

CLASS OPTIONS

OPTION 1: 3 cards + half a package of the Waterside Retreat 12" x 12" DSP

OPTION 2: Everything in option 1 + the Relaxing Waterside bundle.

REGISTER HERE

 

Time to relax… and what better place than by the water? 🌊☀️

I absolutely love the peaceful lakeside vibe with the cozy chairs just waiting for someone to sit down and unwind. Sometimes the best thing we can do is slow down, breathe deeply, and simply listen… 🌿💙
The gentle sound of the wind through the trees and the calming ripple of the water have a way of restoring the soul. This Relaxing Waterside card is a reminder to take a moment for yourself, unwind, and enjoy the peaceful beauty all around you. ✨🪑📖

This handmade card was created using the beautiful Relaxing Waterside bundle and Waterside Retreat Designer Series Paper from Stampin’ Up!.

Purchase the supplies for this card here: https://s.tamp.in/ztGftd

#HandmadeCards #CardMaking #StampinUp #RelaxingWaterside #WatersideRetreat #MasculineCards #PaperCrafting #HandmadeWithLove #TimeToRelax 

🤍🌿 Sending comfort through handmade kindness 🌿🤍

This heartfelt sympathy card was created using the Charming Day bundle, featuring soft floral details and gentle layering that come together to create a design full of warmth, grace, and compassion 💛

The delicate florals and elegant textures give the card such a peaceful feel—perfect for expressing care and support during difficult times. Sometimes words are hard to find, and a thoughtfully handmade card can quietly say what the heart wants to express ✨

With its calming colours, subtle dimension, and sincere sentiment, this design is a reminder that even the smallest gesture can bring comfort to someone who needs it most 🌸

Handmade sympathy cards hold a special kind of meaning because they’re created with extra thought, care, and love.

💬 Do you keep sympathy cards on hand, or create them when needed?

🌊🚣 A peaceful scene with a beautiful surprise inside 🚣🌊

This stunning handmade card features an elegant open side pleat
design showcasing a serene lakeside scene complete with a weathered dock, soft waters, and a quiet rowboat drifting nearby. The soft blues, muted greens, and natural wood textures create such a calm, relaxing feel—like a peaceful morning at the cottage 💛

But the real magic happens when the center panel flips upward to
reveal a second hidden image and a special place to write your message ✨ The interactive design adds such a fun and unexpected touch, turning the card into more than just a greeting—it becomes an experience.

The layered pleated sides frame the artwork beautifully while adding incredible dimension and movement to the card. It’s the perfect combination of peaceful scenery, creative engineering, and thoughtful handmade detail 🌿

This is one of those cards that makes people stop, open it again, and say, “WOW… how did you make that?!” 😍

💬 Do you love interactive cards with hidden surprises, or are you more of a classic card design fan?