
Have you ever received a handmade card and immediately thought, “I need to try that idea”?
That’s exactly what happened when I received a beautiful swap card from my friend Melanie Hockin.
One of my favorite things about being part of the stamping community is seeing creative ideas from other demonstrators and then putting my own spin on them using supplies I already have on hand.
For this project, I recreated Melanie’s design using the Wild Bunch stamp set, Beautiful Ordinary Life Designer Series Paper (DSP), Shimmer Pens, and a few favorite dies from my crafty stash.
The result is a fun card that looks like a standard greeting card on the outside but opens to reveal a hidden gift card holder inside!

Why You’ll Love This Project
One of the questions I hear most often is:
“What can I do with the designer paper I already own?”
This project is a great example of how a few small pieces of designer paper can become the star of your card design.
You’ll also learn how to:
- Stamp directly on designer paper
- Color stamped images with Shimmer Pens
- Layer die-cuts for added dimension
- Create a hidden gift card holder
- Turn leftover paper into a practical design element
Whether you’re making a birthday card, thank-you card, appreciation gift, or just-because card, this design can easily be customized for the occasion.

A Hidden Surprise Inside
While the outside of the card features an adorable snail image and layered focal point, the real surprise is on the inside.
A simple pocket created from leftover designer paper transforms this card into a gift card holder. It’s a great way to make a gift card feel more personal and thoughtful without adding a lot of extra work.
I especially love projects that help us stretch our supplies and get more value from every sheet of paper.

One of My Favorite Demonstrator Perks
This card also reminds me why I love participating in demonstrator swaps.
Not only do I receive beautiful handmade cards from talented stampers around the world, but those projects often spark completely new ideas. This card started with inspiration from Melanie’s swap and evolved into something uniquely my own.
Sometimes all it takes is seeing an idea through someone else’s eyes to unlock new possibilities with the supplies sitting on your craft table.
Project Layers (Imperial)
- 4-1/4” x 5-1/2” Thick Basic White CS
- (2) ¾” x 5-1/2” DSP
- 3-1/4” x 11” Pool Party CS
- 3” x 5-1/2” DSP
- 2-1/4” x 2-1/4” Strawberry Slush CS-die cut
- 2-1/4” x 2-1/4” Basic White CS- die cut
- 3” x 1” Pool Party CS- punch
- 3” x 1-1/2” DSP
- Approx. 10” Twine
I have created a printable recipe with the complete supply list and cut dimensions for you. Simple click the button below to access the printable file.
Ready to see how this card comes together?
Watch the video tutorial below where I’ll walk you through the project step-by-step, including how to create the hidden gift card holder pocket, stamp directly on designer paper, and add shimmer and dimension for a finished look.
If you enjoy the project, I’d love for you to leave a comment and let me know how you would customize this design. And if you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel so you don’t miss future cardmaking tutorials, crafty secrets, and creative inspiration.
(note if viewing this post via email subscription, you may need to click the post name to display the video)
Before you go, I’d love to hear from you. What’s your favorite way to make a gift card feel more personal—a handmade card, a special gift holder, a handwritten note, or something else entirely? Leave a comment below and let me know!
Hope you enjoy!
Love this project? Here is your shopping list so you can re-create this idea on your own…just click on the images below to add them to your cart.
Shopping List
This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you click through and make a purchase.
Live in the US…CLICK HERE to shop my online store and have your Stampin’ Up! supplies shipped straight to your door!
Don’t forget: Orders of $20 or more now earn 10% back in Stampin’ Rewards—just make sure you’re logged into your account and have opted into the rewards program at checkout. Stampin’ Up! tracks your rewards for you!
Need some assistance placing your order? No problem!
Call/text me at 336-671-1959 or send me a message on Facebook. I am happy to help.


Grab This Month’s $5 Product of the Month!
Want a fun bonus with your order? When you spend $75+, Stampin’ Up! lets you add this month’s Product of the Month for just $5 — and it’s an item you can’t get anywhere else!
It’s limited, exclusive, and the perfect little extra to treat yourself while you craft.

Want to earn EXCLUSIVE video tutorials once a month featuring the latest Stampin’ Up! product suites? Each month you will receive 12 tutorials all bundled together when you place a qualifying $50 or more order with me through my online store for FREE!
You may also purchase individual tutorials HERE.

We love offering you the best in paper crafting! To do that and keep our product offering fresh, trendy, and relevant, we regularly evaluate product performance. As demand for a product changes, we’ll move products to our Last Chance Products category in the online store and begin the retiring process to make room for new products. Our Last Chance Products will be an ongoing offer, so you can shop this category at any time throughout the year!
What are you waiting for? Start shopping! After all, this selection of Last Chance Products is only available while supplies last.
CLICK HERE to see all the retiring goodies in the online store and add them to your shopping cart.

I’m sure you agree…papercrafting can bring so much joy. Whether you use it for stress relief, to share your creativity, or have meaningful cards and gifts always at your fingertips, papercrafting has value that goes far beyond the projects.
There’s so much we can give our attention to and spend our time doing today, but what if you had something at your fingertips that allows you to create memories and express yourself instead of watching Netflix? That’s where our paper crafting kits come in!
The July 2026 Cultivated Creativity Kit features the
Scalloped Blooms Bundle from Stampin’ Up!’ — Slow down, get creative, and make something beautiful.
This month’s kit features the Scalloped Blooms Bundle paired with Velvet Meadow Designer Series Paper to create elegant floral cards and a thoughtful giftable project. With specialty papers, ribbon, embellishments, and pre-cut supplies, you’ll enjoy a relaxing creative experience without the planning, prep, or overwhelm.
Ready to craft? Register no later than July 20, 2026 (while supplies last) to have this beautiful kit mailed to you!


Want to join us for the next team swap? Do you have a big wish list? Maybe you love to be the first to get your hands on brand new products! If you love Stampin’ Up! products and would enjoy getting a minimum 20% discount every time you purchase…then purchasing the Starter Kit is just what you need! This is by far the BEST DEAL EVER! Enjoy all the benefits risk FREE (no penalty to drop) when you purchase the ultimate Stampin’ Up! bundle ($99 Starter Kit) HERE!
What are you waiting for?
Not interested in selling? No worries…There are no requirements to sell to others, hold events, create a blog, etc… and no penalty when you drop. You can simply make your purchases and enjoy the product discount as long as you like.
Does the quarterly $300 minimum to remain active concern you? No worries…let’s break this down a bit:
- You can do this all at once to take advantage of the Host Rewards or in multiple orders (there is no limit). It is approx. $3.41 a day when you break it down.
- Your personal orders count towards your quarter sales (I am my best customer!-he he)
- For your first quarter you have from the time you sign up until the end of the first full Stampin’ Up! quarter to meet the min. sales requirement.
Worried about project inspiration? No worries…I am here to help you! I share everything with my team for FREE– yes the Exclusive Project Tutorials, the All Star Video Class Tutorials, the Cultivated Creativity Tutorials, the FMN Club Tutorials, Class Tutorials, Paper Pumpkin BONUS tutorials and MORE!
I welcome hobby stampers to my team! When you purchase the kit and join thru me you will instantly become a Diemond and earn access to all the benefits.
Why not give it a try? Do it for YOU! Need more info… CLICK HERE for more details on joining my team.
Questions? Contact me today at wendy@creativeleeyours.com

12 EXCLUSIVE tutorials each month for FREE!
I am offering the monthly Exclusive Project Tutorials FREE to my email subscribers. Yes! The Exclusive Projects team is comprised of a talented group of Stampin’ Up! demonstrators sharing great ideas. There will be a wide variety of projects featuring multiple stamp sets each month that you will get for FREE…if you are a subscriber to my newsletter… Whoo Hoo!
Not yet a subscriber? Sign up HERE
What others’ are saying about the Exclusive Tutorial Bundles:
Thank you! Each and every one of your cards are wonderful! I love having the tutorials printed out. I flip through the pages and always find something that would be fun to make! Thanks again!
-Mary D
*****
“Thank you so much – I always enjoy the fresh design options – you make card making fun again.”
-Kathleen L
*****
“I LOVE and appreciate this special offer you give to your email subscribers. I always find lots of inspiration from the demonstrators and enjoy replicating their beautiful designs.”
-TY Barbara D
CreativeLee Yours,

OTHER IMPORTANT LINKS AND INFORMATION:
- Join my Stampin’ Up!® Diemonds team and get the awesome customizable starter kit HERE. It’s the best bundle ever!
- Ready for a fun, monthly craft kit delivered directly to you, so you get all the joy of creating without having to do all the research, design and prep? Cultivated Creativity is for you! Click HERE to get started.
- Join my Online Forget Me Not (FMN) Card Club and elevate your hand made cards HERE.
- Follow my blog by email and receive a FREE Exclusive monthly PDF tutorial bundle when you subscribe to email list HERE.
- Join Paper Pumpkin and get FREE PDF Tutorials with alternate projects each month.
- Shop my Tutorials to spark your creativity as I guide you through creating beautiful projects HERE.
- Earn Exclusive BONUS tutorials with my rewards program. CLICK HERE for details.
![Wild Bunch Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167987 ] Wild Bunch Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167987 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/167987s.jpg)
![Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [ 159229 ] Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [ 159229 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/159229s.jpg)
![Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ] Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/166780s.jpg)
![Pool Party 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 122924 ] Pool Party 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 122924 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/122924s.jpg)
![Strawberry Slush 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 165625 ] Strawberry Slush 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 165625 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/165625s.jpg)
![Beautiful Ordinary Life 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 167553 ] Beautiful Ordinary Life 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 167553 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/167553s.jpg)
![Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [ 132708 ] Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [ 132708 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/132708s.jpg)
![Golden Glow Shimmer Brush [ 167662 ] Golden Glow Shimmer Brush [ 167662 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/167662s.jpg)
![Barely Blush Shimmer Brush [ 167664 ] Barely Blush Shimmer Brush [ 167664 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/167664s.jpg)
![Baker's Twine Essentials Pack [ 155475 ] Baker's Twine Essentials Pack [ 155475 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/155475s.jpg)
![2026–2028 In Color™ Dots [ 167546 ] 2026–2028 In Color™ Dots [ 167546 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/167546s.jpg)
![Three Banner Punch [ 167050 ] Three Banner Punch [ 167050 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/167050s.jpg)
![Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ] Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/149653s.jpg)
![Stylish Shapes Dies [ 159183 ] Stylish Shapes Dies [ 159183 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/159183s.jpg)
![Perennial Postage Dies [ 162607 ] Perennial Postage Dies [ 162607 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/162607s.jpg)
![Take Your Pick [ 144107 ] Take Your Pick [ 144107 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/144107s.jpg)
![Paper Trimmer [ 152392 ] Paper Trimmer [ 152392 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/152392s.jpg)
![Bone Folder [ 102300 ] Bone Folder [ 102300 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/102300s.jpg)
![Stampin' Seal [ 152813 ] Stampin' Seal [ 152813 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/152813s.jpg)
![Multipurpose Liquid Glue [ 110755 ] Multipurpose Liquid Glue [ 110755 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/110755s.jpg)
![Stampin' Dimensionals [ 104430 ] Stampin' Dimensionals [ 104430 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/104430s.jpg)
![Mini Glue Dots [ 103683 ] Mini Glue Dots [ 103683 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/103683s.jpg)


