Branching Out & Paper Party Live
Tonight’s Paper Party Live has me positively buzzing with excitement, because the cards we’re creating together are some of the most beautiful projects I’ve made in a long time. At 8 pm ET over on YouTube, we’ll craft a gorgeous technique card and a fun fold live, and then I’ll reveal two bonus cards that are equally breathtaking. Each one uses the Branching Out stamp set and coordinating dies, and even though all four cards share the same products, each one has its own personality and charm. I can’t wait for you to see them.
The first card begins with crisp layers, bold texture, and the prettiest pop of Real Red. I started with a Thick Basic White base and layered on a two-tone panel of Real Red that had been embossed with the Forever Plaid 3-D Embossing Folder. A little sanding with a tiny sanding block brought out such intentional, beautiful distressing — a technique that works for so many different papercrafts. The Shaded Spruce and Basic White die-cut frames set the foundation for a burst of pine branches, red berry sprigs, and soft Basic Beige accents. A Shaded Spruce “Hello,” a sweet double bow of Real Red & White Baker’s Twine, and three Delightful Decorative Dots tie everything together in a way that’s simple, classic, and full of holiday charm.
The second card takes an elegant turn with a gatefold design. The Cloud Cover base opens to reveal a Secret Sea-matted panel of Basic White inside. The two front panels are dressed in peaceful Secret Sea star-patterned DSP from the Peaceful Garden pack, and they shimmer beautifully next to the layered frames in Secret Sea and Basic Beige. After adding texture with the Birch Wood 3-D Embossing Folder, I built the focal point: a Basic White die-cut frame stamped with “From our Family to Yours” and adorned with pine branches, berry sprigs, silver pinecones, glimmer paper, and a touch of White Baker’s Twine. This card almost made itself — literally, because I dreamed the entire design, woke up, and immediately knew the original plan had to be scrapped! Sometimes inspiration arrives at the perfect time.
The first bonus card has such a soft, magical glow to it. A Coastal Cabana base frames the most delicate embossed pine needles layered over Coastal Cabana stamping and gentle ink blending. The contrast of the Basic White frame against a hand-trimmed Basic Black one adds just the right amount of drama. The embossed pine clusters in White Wow! embossing powder look incredible and add a frosty, wintery feel. A sentiment banner, a little Black Baker’s Thread bow, and some colored Rhinestones finish the look beautifully. Inside, the coordinating Basic White and Basic Black layers make the whole card feel polished and intentional.
Finally, the second bonus card is a landscape card that lets the Elegant Pine Snowflakes DSP take center stage. The darker Secret Sea pine snowflake pattern fills the entire background, and a framed panel of the lighter coordinating DSP pops beautifully against Old Olive die-cut layers. A sweet birthday sentiment with layered banner pieces tucks perfectly into the Old Olive frame, and three Traditional Sparkling Sequins add the perfect finishing sparkle. Inside, I added matching mats and a slim strip of the darker DSP, creating a cohesive finish that feels as joyful as the card front.
All four cards show just how endlessly versatile the Branching Out bundle is. Whether you love clean and classic, rich and textured, soft and magical, or bold and graphic, this set can do it all. The best part? You can make every one of these cards right along with me during the Paper Party Live — either live at 8 pm ET tonight or anytime by watching the replay.
I also have a detailed PDF tutorial that includes all measurements, supplies, and step-by-step instructions. This tutorial is free for my team members and for customers who placed an order with me during October. If that’s you, check your email — it’s already on its way! If not, you can still grab the PDF in my online store and recreate these beauties at your own pace.
I’m so thrilled to spend some creative time with you tonight. Grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let’s make something beautiful together.
