Watercolor Archives - Wendy Varron, Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Watercolor In Bloom Alternatives Part 2

January 2, 2026 / Leave a Comment

Welcome Back! If you’re just joining me, I’ve been sharing alternative card designs created with the December Watercolor in Bloom Paper Pumpkin Kit. I previously shared the cards made as designed, along with three alternative card designs created using the same kit elements. Today I’m sharing the remaining five cards, each one showing another way to use this beautiful and versatile kit.

This thank you card was created using both the envelope and a cardbase from the paper pumpkin kit on a Coastal Cabana cardbase. i used the envelope in place of Designer Series Paper. The kit cardbase is used as a layer for the sentiment on the front of the card as well as the inside of the card. To finish this card I added those pretty Copper Sequins and a bow made with White Bakers Twine.

Secret Sea cardstock is the card base for my next card. I also used the envelope again in place of where I’d normally use Designer Series Paper. The sentiment is stamped on a circle die cut with the Stylish Shapes Dies. Then I added the foliage die cuts to both the front and inside of the card.

Here’s my next card using the pretty oval die cut and velum from the kit. I used the cardbase from the kit layered with Basic White cardstock on Shaded Spruce cardbase.

My next card has several layers on the front of the Coastal Cabana cardbase. I trimmed the cardbase from the kit and layered it on Night of Navy cardstock. To create the rectangle that I stamped the sentiment on, I trimmed about an 1-1/8″ off of each end of the die cut. Then used those pieces layered under the ends, which makes it look like a rectangle.

My final card is a Book Bind fun fold. I used the strips of left over kit cardbase for the strip on the binding and behind the circles. The circles are die cut from Night of Navy cardstock and the rectangle die cut from the kit. The sentiment is stamped on another die cut from the kit, then i punched the edges to round them a bit with a 2″ circle punch. I used an envelope to line the inside of the card.

I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring different ways to use the December Watercolor in Bloom Paper Pumpkin Kit, as much as I did creating them. From the cards made exactly as designed to creating my own alternative layouts. If you missed any part of this series, Click below to read them:

Cards made as designed → Post 1 Click Here

First set of alternative cards → Day 1 alternatives Click Here

Card # 1 Measurements:

Costal Cabana Cardbase: 4-1/4″ x 8-1/2″, score on the long side at 5-1/2″
DSP layer (made with kit envelope): 2-3/4″ x 4″
Sentiment layer 1 (made with kit cardbase): 2-3/4″ x 4-1/2″
Sentiment layer 2 Costal Cabana cardstock: 2-1/2″ x 4-1/4″
Sentiment (made with kit envelope): 2-1/4″ x 4″
Inside layer 1 (made with kit cardbase): 4″ x 5-1/4″
Inside layer 2 Basic White cardstock: 3-7/8″ x 5-1/8″

Card #2 Measurements

Secret Sea cardbase: 4-1/4″ x 11″, score on the long side at 5-1/2″
DSP layer (made with kit envelope): 4″ x 5-1/4″
Inside Basic White cardstock: 4″ x 5-1/4″

Card #3 Measurements

Shaded Spruce cardbase: 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″, score on the long side at 4-1/4″
Basic White cardstock: 4″ x 5-1/4″
DSP layer (made with kit cardbase): 3-3/4″ x 5″
Inside Basic White cardstock: 4″ x 5-1/4″

Card # 4 Measurements:

Coastal Cabana cardbase: 4-1/4″ x 11″, score on the long side at 5-1/2″
Night of Navy cardstock: 4″ x 5-1/4″
DSP layer (made with kit cardbase): 3-3/4″ x 5″
Inside Basic White cardstock: 4″ x 5-1/4″
DSP Strip Inside (made with kit cardbase): 1/2″ x 5-1/4″

Card # 5 Measurements:

Night of Navy cardbase: 4-1/4″ x 11″, score on the long side at 4-1/2″, 5-1/2″
DSP Strips (made with kit cardbase): 3/4″ x 4″, (3) 1″ x 4″
Inside layer (made with kit envelope): 4″ x 4-1/4″

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Watercolor in Bloom Alternatives Part 1

December 31, 2025 / Leave a Comment

One of my favorite things about Paper Pumpkin is using the kit as inspiration rather than a rule book. For December’s Watercolor in Bloom kit, I followed the instructions for three cards (one each of three designs) which I shared with you yesterday. Click here if you’d like to read yesterday’s blog post. Then I created my own designs using the same elements.

Today I’m sharing three of the eight alternative cards I made. These designs use only the kit contents plus a few basic tools — and they show just how versatile this kit can be! I created all three as a Z Fun fold card. They are one of my favorite fun fold, as they are easy to make and add some dimension and fun to the cards.

To create this Z Fun Fold card, I started with Shaded Spruce cardstock for the cardbase. I then took one of the card bases from the kit and cut it into three pieces to use as the first layer for each of the panels.

To create the front of the card, I used the die-cut elements in the kit. Stamping a few of the leaves and foliage on the die cut piece before adding the die cut leaves and sentiment. Then I adhered them it the front flap, finishing it off with a few of the pretty Copper Sequins. On the inside of the card, I stamped a few leaves along the left edge of a Basic White layer and adhered it to the inside panel, leaving plenty of space for a handwritten message.

Z Fun Fold Tip: When adhering the front panel to the card base, be sure to add adhesive to only the left side of the layer. This allows the right side to move freely when the card is opened. That movement is what creates the fun fold and lets you see the front of the card as you open it.

The next card I created I did almost the same thing. I used Basic White cardstock for the card base. Then on the inside Basic White panel, I stamped the foliage along the bottom edge.

For the third card I used Night of Navy cardstock for the card base. On the inside of this card I used on of the envelopes to decorate the Basic White panel. I love the foliage decoration on the envelopes and wanted to use it on a few of the cards. So, I trimmed the envelope down to just a the strip with the foliage on it and added it to the base of the panel.

These are just the first three of the eight alternative cards I created. I can’t wait to share the rest with you. This kit is full of possibilities, and I hope these ideas inspire you to create with your kit. Stay tuned for the next post where I’ll share my other alternative designs, including another fun fold.

Watercolor In Bloom Z Fold Card Measurements:

Cardbase: 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″, score on the long side at 2-1/8″ & 4-1/4″
DSP layer (made with kit cardbase: 1-7/8″ x5-1/4″ (2), 4″ x 5-1/4″
Basic White inside panel: 3-3/4″ x 5″

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Crafting with the Watercolor in Bloom Paper Pumpkin Kit

December 30, 2025 / Leave a Comment

The Watercolor in Bloom Paper Pumpkin Kit, is full of soft florals, calming colors, and thoughtful sentiments. They are perfect for heartfelt cards any time of year.

Today I’m sharing the three cards I created following the kit designs (with a slight change). These projects show how beautifully everything coordinates right out of the box, no extra products needed! I love how quickly these cards came together. That’s why I love kits so much!

Miss You Card

I made 2 very slight changes from the directions. First, I cut the Vellum piece in half. I wanted the vellum to be more visible behind the die cut leaves. Second, I placed one of the copper sequins in the center of the flower, which I did on all three cards.

Thank You Card

This design is all about the layered leaves. I love how the background leaves coordinate perfectly with the die-cut elements, they work beautifully together.

Dear Friend Card

This one might be my favorite! The die-cut rectangle frames the sentiment beautifully, and I love the leaves peeking out from the top and bottom for extra dimension.

But the fun didn’t stop there 😉. After making one of each card as designed, I decided to use the remaining pieces to create a few alternative designs. I’ll be sharing my alternative card ideas later this week with different layouts, and some fun folds. Be sure to check back to see all the alternative cards.

Whether you follow the instructions or love to experiment, Watercolor in Bloom offers endless creative possibilities. Stay tuned, I’ve got more inspiration coming your way this week!

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Watercolor in Bloom: Soft Hues and Simple Beauty

November 13, 2025 / Leave a Comment

A new subscription period has begun! The Watercolor in Bloom Paper Pumpkin Kit brings soft, serene beauty to your craft table. With elegant watercolor florals, shimmery copper foil accents, and layers of vellum, this kit makes it easy to create handmade cards that feel calm, creative, and heartfelt. It’s a beautiful way to wrap up the year with quiet moments of creativity, watercolor charm, and cards that share joy with the people you care about most.

Watercolor in Bloom Kit Contents:

Makes 9 cards: 3 each of three designs
Coordinating envelopes
Exclusive Watercolor in Bloom photopolymer stamp set
Precut paper and vellum pieces
Copper foil & sequins
Night of Navy Classic Stampin’ Spot

Coordinating Kit Colors

The subscription period for the December Watercolor in Bloom kit is November 11 – December 10, 2025. Click the button below to subscribe!

Click Here to Subscribe to Paper Pumpkin

Don’t Miss the Coordinating Add -On

Pair the Watercolor in Bloom Paper Pumpkin Kit with the Abundant Joy Dies Add-On for even more creative options. These versatile dies coordinate with three Paper Pumpkin kits — Cozy Christmas, Wrapped in Cheer, and Watercolor in Bloom — and are perfect for adding extra layers, accents, and texture to your cards.

DETAILS
6 dies
– Largest die: 2-7/8″ x 1-1/2″ (7.3 x 3.8 cm)

Note: You must be a current Paper Pumpkin subscriber to purchase this item. Available while supplies last.

Pre-Paid Subscriptions Also Available

Stampin’Up! also offers Prepaid 3 month, 6 month or 12 month Subscriptions which allow you to pay ahead or give as a gift. Just click the image below for the prepaid subscription of your choice.

Happy Stamping!

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Dragonfly Garden – Luv 2 Stamp Group Blog Hop

July 24, 2022 / 8 Comments

Welcome to the Luv 2 Stamp Group Blog Hop!

We hope you enjoy our Nature Theme!

We are excited to share projects with you again this year. We hope to inspire you to create beautiful new projects using Stampin’ Up! products.

Once you are done with each post, scroll down to the bottom and you will see a list of Blog Hop participants, you can click on their name to go to their post, or you can click the next button to go to the next post in line. Happy crafting!

July is world watercolor month so I decided to create my card with watercoloring and the Dragonfly Garden Stamp set. I still have the Stampin’ Up! Water Painter I bought years ago so I finally purchased a new set. I love these Water Painters! I used all three brush tips on my card. If you’ve never used them I highly recommend giving them a try.

I started stamping the flower image from the Dragonfly Garden stamp set on a piece of Masking Paper and fussy cut it out. Then I stamped the same image a piece of the Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper and used the Making Paper to stamp the images several more times. The Masking Paper helped with stamping the image over top of stamped images so make it look like a full field of wildflowers.

To paint my nature scene, I used the ink in the inkpad lids. The wide tipped brush was great for painting the blue sky, the medium brush tip was great for painting some of the spaces between the flowers and the fine brush tip was excellent for painting the flowers, leaves and stems.

I adhered the watercolor paper to a piece of Rich Razzleberry cardstock, then adhered the it to the Basic White cardbase.

I stamped the sentiment on a piece of Vellum cardstock with StazOn Ink and punched it with the Lasting Label Punch. I adhered the label to the card with Mini Glue Dots. I stamped the dragonfly image on a piece of watercolor paper and painted it. Then punched it out with the Dragonfly punch. I adhered it over the edge of the label with Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals. Last, I added a few of the Brushed Brass Butterflies.

For more inspiration from the Luv 2 Stamp Group Blog Hop Team, click on the image below to visit the talented Kimberly Mull. Don’t forget to continue following links on each blog to see everyone’s projects!

Dragonfly Garden Card Measurements

Basic White Thick Cardstock Cardbase: 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″, score in half at 4-1/4″
Rich Razzleberry Cardstock: 4″ x 5-1/4″
Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper: 3-7/8″ x 5-1/8″

I hope you enjoyed my project. I’d love to be your Stampin’ Up!® Demonstrator! All the Stampin’ Up! supplies used to make my card are available in my online store. Simply click any of the product photos below!

Happy Stamping!

Easter Friends – Luv 2 Stamp Group’s Blog Hop

March 27, 2022 / 18 Comments

Welcome to the Luv 2 Stamp Group’s Blog Hop!

We are excited to share projects with you again this year. We hope to inspire you to create beautiful new projects. Each month we will have a different theme based on the next month’s celebrations using Stampin’ Up! products.

For this month’s Easter theme my cards feature the cute bunny in the Easter Friends Stamp Set. I decided to try something a little different using Watercolor Paper and Watercolor Painters. The grass was created using Granny Apple Green and Garden Green reinkers by brushing the color with Watercolor Painters along the bottom of the Watercolor Paper.

Then using a Blending Brush and Balmy Blue Ink pad I brushed the ink onto the watercolor paper to create the sk. Using the 2021-2023 In Color Shimmer Vellum and the Peach Dies, I added a few little flowers with Mini Glue Dots. Then layered the Watercolor cardstock on Soft Seafoam Cardstock and then on a So Saffron and Balmy Blue card base.

I stamped a couple of bunnies in Gray Granite and Smoky Slate on Basic White cardstock. I used the Light Flirty Flamingo Blends to color in the bunny nose, then fussy cut them out. I’ve added them to my card with Stampin’ Dimensionals. The sentiment is stamped in Tuxedo Black on Vellum. I trimmed them down and punched the end of the strip with the Banners Pick a Punch. I put 2 Mini Glue dots on the back of the Vellum by rolling the up into tiny little strips and placing them behind the H in Happy and the S in Easter. To finish them off I added a few Iridescent Rhinestone Jewels.

For more inspiration from the Luv 2 Stamp Group Blog Hop Team, click on the image below to visit the talented Patty Bennett. Don’t forget to continue following links on each blog to see everyone’s projects!

Easter Friends Card Measurements:

So Saffron Cardbase: 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″, score in half at 4-1/4″
Watercolor Cardstock: 4′ x 5-1/4″
Soft Seafoam Cardstock: 4-1/8″ x 5-3/8″

Thank you so much for hopping by today! All the Stampin’ Up! supplies used to make my card are available in my online store. Simply click any of the product photos below!

Product List