Last Week’s Card & Cuppa – Blooming Phrases

November 3, 2025November 2, 2025 ~ Karen Young

Last week’s Card & Cuppa project used the Blooming Phrases Stamp Set from the Online Exclusives range.

This set has lots of small flower and leaf images, along with some fabulous sentiments.

For this project, I used Petal Pink, Calypso Coral, Flirty Flamingo and Granny Apple Green. I paired these with Very Vanilla to create a more vintage feel.

With the ‘celebrate’ sentiment, the design is suitable for a wide range of occasions.

First, a section across the centre was masked off diagonally. Next, the images were stamped multiple times across the whole piece.

When the masking was removed, it left a blank space in the centre for the sentiment to be added.

Two lengths of Linen Thread were then attached to the top and bottom of the masked section.

Finally, some Antique Pearls were added to complete the project.

Join me at one of my classes. Head to my Class Timetable for full details.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies shown below, head to my Online Store. Items available while stocks last.

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Last Week’s Card & Cuppa – Stippled Roses Stamp Set

July 15, 2024July 14, 2024 ~ Karen Young

Last week’s Card & Cuppa project used the new Stippled Roses Stamp Set from the Annual Catalogue.

If you’ve been around for a while, you may have heard me mention the lovely red rose bush that grows by my front door. This Stamp Set reminds me of it.

For my project, I chose to use neutrals of Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla. By using this combination, the attendees could then colour their roses however they wanted.

To begin, the bottom section was masked off diagonally and the main image from the Stamp Set stamped. Then, the leaf image is used to fill in around the edges.

Next, the individual rose is then stamped and punched out using the Online Exclusives Circle Punch.

The roses were then coloured in using Watercolor Pencils with the lines softened using Blender Pens. A little touch of Wink of Stella was used on the smaller rose.

I chose to colour my roses red, to reflect those at home.

Lengths of Very Vanilla and Crumb Cake Baker’s Twine from the Essentials Pack are placed along the masking line.

With the smaller rose coloured, this is mounted onto another circle, also cut using a Circle Punch from Online Exclusives range, before being stuck to the project.

Finally, a short row of Iridescent Pearls are added to the corner.

Due to the diagonal masking, this card can be used either portrait or landscape orientation. Also, as it is quite busy, I chose to leave it sentiment free which helps it to be an ‘any way’ project too.

Join me at one of my classes. Head to my Class Timetable for full details.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies shown below, head to my Online Store. Items available while stocks last.

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Last Week’s Card & Cuppa – Masks & Masking

December 4, 2023November 30, 2023 ~ Karen Young

At a previous Card & Cuppa session I was asked about masks and masking, so last week’s class combined both techniques.

First it was using one of the Foursquare Decorative Masks and a Blending Brush to create the background in Fresh Freesia. The masks are like a stencil and you can apply colour in lots of different ways.

Next, using Masking Paper and the Quiet Meadow Stamp Set, we created a bunch of flowers.

The image was stamped onto Masking Paper twice and they were both cut out.

Then, the image is stamped onto cardstock once and then covered with one of the Masking Paper cut out shapes. Another image is then stamped next to the first, overlapping where needed. Once this has been stamped, the second mask is then used to cover the second image.

Finally, the third flower was stamped. When the masks are removed, you are left with a bunch of flowers. All of the flowers were stamped in Highland Heather to coordinate with the purple theme.

These were then coloured in using Watercolor Pencils, with the centre given a light coat of Wink of Stella. Fussy cutting was needed to cut the floral display out.

The Petal Park Stamp Set provides the leaves that were stamped in Shaded Spruce and cut out using the coordinating Petal Park Builder Punch. They were also coloured using Watercolor Pencils before being stuck to the flowers.

The whole piece was then raised up using Dimensionals.

Finally, some gold Festive Pearls are dotted around for a touch of bling.

As the design has quite a lot of detail, I’ve deliberately left it sentiment free. This makes it a great card for any occasion.

Join me at one of my classes. Head to my Class Timetable for full details.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies shown below, head to my Online Store. Items available while stocks last.

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Finishing Up Friday – Card & (Your) Cuppa Mash Up

September 2, 2022September 1, 2022 ~ Karen Young

This week’s Finishing Up Friday uses the Quiet Meadow Stamp Set and Dies.

I’ve called this project a Card & (Your) Cuppa mash up as it uses the leftover items from this project from last year, but I’ve also take inspiration from a project from this year too.

It uses Rich Razzleberry, Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla.

Using some Masking Paper, new in the Annual Catalogue, I created a strip. This is stamped using ‘splats’ from the Quiet Meadow Stamp Set and then given some colour using a Blending Brush and ink.

While using the Blending Brushes, I also added colour to the leaves and flower, cut from the coordinating Meadow Dies, from my ‘use me’ pile.

Once the Masking Paper is gently peeled away, the leaves are stuck to the strip. Some Wink of Stella sparkle is given to the flower before it is raised up on Dimensionals to give some depth.

Another pre-cut shape from my stash, from the All That Dies has a sentiment from the Hello Beautiful Stamp Set stamped onto it. The edge of the shape is given some colour using a Blending Brush.

This has a loop of Crumb Cake Baker’s Twine from the Essentials Combo Pack behind it. The whole sentiment piece is then also stuck to the project using Dimensionals.

Finally, some Champagne Rhinestones create the centre of the flower, with some additional ones dotted across the project.

Which pre-made items are you going to use from your desk?

Join me at one of my online classes. Head to my Class Timetable for full details.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies shown below, head to my Online Store. Items available while stocks last.

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Last Week’s Card & (Your) Cuppa – A Cascade of Berry Blooms

April 18, 2022April 14, 2022 ~ Karen Young

Last week’s Card & (Your) Cuppa project was this pretty cascade of flowers.

Cascade of Berry Blooms. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

The colour combination of Rich Razzleberry and Blackberry Bliss, with Basic White was a berry (sorry!) good mix.

Using one of the Heart & Home Doilies as a mask, and a Blending Brush, a pretty background came to life. The doilies are from the Mini Catalogue and come in a pack of 30, so there are plenty to use for different things.

This piece and the layer were stuck angles to the basecard.

Using the Flowers & Leaves Punch, each flower has two layers that are coloured using a Blending Brush, given a gentle scrunch and then stuck together.

Leaves from the Bough Punch, again from the Mini Catalogue, are added to to the piece and the flowers arranged in a cascade.

Cascade of Berry Blooms. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

A sentiment from the Art Gallery Stamp Set sits on double layered ruffle. This is made from the Frayed Ribbon.

Finally, Iridescent Rhinestones are set into the centre of each flower to add a touch of sparkle.

Cascade of Berry Blooms. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

I can’t wait to make this project in different colours. My thoughts are blues and also sepia tones for a vintage look.

Don’t forget that items on the Last Chance list are only available for a few more weeks, while stocks last.

My annual Introduction to In Color Class is also open for bookings. Be sure to book your place.

Join me at one of my online classes. Head to my Class Timetable for full details.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies shown below, head to my Online Store. Items available while stocks last.

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Happy New Mini Catalogue & SAB

August 3, 2021August 3, 2021 ~ Karen Young

It’s finally the day that the July-December Mini Catalogue AND the second SAB of the year goes live.

Happy New Mini Catalogue & SAB. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

All those on my mailing list to receive postal catalogues, recently received some happy mail from me.

With every Catalogue, I send out a card that uses products from the new publication.

This any occasion card uses the new Gorgeous Leaves Stamp Set. It is also available as a Bundle with coordinating Dies.

Happy New Mini Catalogue & SAB. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

My colour combination is Bumblebee, Old Olive and Cherry Cobbler, all inspired by the new Matte Decorative Dots pack.

To begin, I masked a section of the Very Vanilla card and used a Blending Brush with Old Olive ink to lighly colour a background stripe. Then, I stamped the ‘splat’ pattern onto the same section.

After removing my masking, the leaves were then stamped.

Happy New Mini Catalogue & SAB. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

Finally, some of the Matte Decorative Dots are added to the project.

I have two SSOTM Classes planned for September and October, with the September Class using this Stamp Set. It’s also my Mostly Men class too. Make sure you book your place.

Join me at one of my online classes. Head to my Class Timetable for full details.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies shown below, head to my Online Store. Items available while stocks last.

Online Shopping Club Code Join my team Current Products Offers & Promotions Book a Class

Double Masking – the papercrafting way

July 13, 2021July 12, 2021 ~ Karen Young

You may hearing quite a lot about double masking at the moment, but this is a happier papercrafting version.

Double Masking. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

This monochrome ‘thanks’ card is in Daffodil Delight and Basic White.

My first piece of masking was for the strip across the middle of the project to create a blank space for my sentiment.

The next piece of masking was using one of the Plenty of Patterns Decorative Masks and a Blending Brush to create an ombre effect. I chose to go darker in the centre and paler towards the edges.

Double Masking. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

When my masking was complete, I added the sentiment from the Biggest Wish Stamp Set. If you haven’t got this £16 stamp set, I would definitely recommend it. It’s a must for your collection.

Next, I added some lengths of Baker’s Twine from the Essentials Pack across the edges of my centre strip.

Finally, using a Stampin’ Blend, some Rhinestones were given a Daffodil Delight colouring.

Double Masking. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

This is a really quick and simple project. It would also be great in lots of different colours and sentiments too.

Join me at one of my online classes. Head to my Class Timetable for full details.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies shown below, head to my Online Store. Items available while stocks last.

Online Shopping Club Code Join my team Current Products Offers & Promotions Book a Class

Flowers of Friendship in Rich Razzleberry

May 26, 2021May 25, 2021 ~ Karen Young

Today, a new Annual Catalogue Bundle meets an old favourite colour combination.

Here are Flowers of Friendship in Rich Razzleberry, with Old Olive.

Flowers of Friendship in Rich Razzleberry. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

The flowers from the Stamp Set are simply stamped on half of the background, masking along the centre to keep the top part free of stamping.

They are then quickly given some extra colour using a Blender Pen.

A strip of the Reversible Old Olive and Pretty Peacock Ribbon covers the masking line.

Flowers of Friendship in Rich Razzleberry. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

Three large and three small flowers are stamped and then cut out using the Flowers and Leaves Punch from the Bundle.

Again, a Blender Pen gives them some more colour before the pieces are layered using Glue Dots.

For the sentiment, the Many Messages Bundle (Many Messages Stamp Set and Messages Die) from the January-June Mini Catalogue is used. It creates the perfect size and shape to sit on the ribbon.

Flowers of Friendship in Rich Razzleberry. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

Finally, coordinating self-adhesive sequins add some sparkle to the centre of each flower.

Don’t forget that some items from the January-June Mini Catalogue are only available until the end of June.

Why not join me at one of my classes. Head to my Class Timetable for full details.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies shown below, head to my Online Store

Online Shopping Club Code Join my team Current Products Offers & Promotions Book a Class

Top Tips, Tricks & Techniques: Revisit, Reuse & Refresh

May 20, 2021May 19, 2021 ~ Karen Young

For this week’s Top Tips, Tricks & Techniques video, I’m sharing the process behind designing this Quiet Meadow Stamp Set project.

Top Tips, Tricks & Techniques: Revisit, Reuse & Refresh. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

Click on the picture below to watch my video about revisiting, resuing and refreshing.

First, I stamped the floral image using Memento ink. Then, I masked a strip slightly narrower than the image.

Using Sponge Daubers, I coloured the strip to make a background. I have used Granny Apple Green, Daffodil Delight and Poppy Parade from the Brights Collection.

Top Tips, Tricks & Techniques: Revisit, Reuse & Refresh. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

The Many Messages Bundle (Many Messages Stamp Set and Messages Die) from the January-June Mini Catalogue provide the sentiment and shape.

It is then raised over a length of White Baker’s Twine from the Essentials Pack wrapped around the card.

For a touch of sparkle, I’ve coloured the flowers with some Wink of Stella.

Top Tips, Tricks & Techniques: Revisit, Reuse & Refresh. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s Top Tips, Tricks & Techniques video. Pop back next week for the next one.

For a trip down memory lane, here is the post for the 2017 project.

Why not join me at one of my online classes to make some projects you can then revisit, reuse and refresh. Head to my Class Timetable for more details.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies shown below, head to my Online Store

Online Shopping Club Code Join my team Current Products Offers & Promotions Book a Class

Magenta Madness Birthday Butterflies

November 14, 2020November 13, 2020 ~ Karen Young

These Magenta Madness Birthday Butterflies were a project for a class attendee.

They are a fan of pink, so I think this definitely fits that brief!

A monochrome project in Magenta Madness and Whisper White.

Stamping is from the Butterfly Gala Stamp Set, with the shapes from the co-ordinating Butterfly Duet Punch.

The butterflies are masked to allow for them to be spaced differently to the stamp.

A Blender Pen colours the butterflies, pulling the ink from the edges to provide the colour.

‘It’s Your Day!’ is from the Itty Bitty Birthdays Stamp Set, again stamped in Magenta Madness. This is cut out using a Circle Punch and sits on a Timeless Label Punch shape.

These are both sat on a length of Metallic-Edge Ribbon, in a double loop.