Sketch, Swap & Stamp: Layers of Creativity in April’s Dahlia Card

Made by Linda Barnes

Creativity thrives in community, and my April 2023 Sketch Card No. 1 is a testament to that. This card was designed for a team swap challenge, inspired by the talented Angela Palmer’s invitation on the Creative Stamper’s Facebook page. Using the retired yet timeless Stampin’ Up! Delicate Dahlias stamp set, I wanted to showcase how inspiration and creativity flourish when shared.

Materials Used:

Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate this design:

Stamps:

• Stampin’ Up! Delicate Dahlias stamp set (retired)

Cardstock & Paper:

• Basic White
• Night of Navy (Neutrals)

Designer Series Paper (DSP):

• Fancy Flora 6″ × 6″

Ink Colors:

• Flirty Flamingo (Brights)
• Mossy Meadow (Neutrals)

Other Essentials:

• Mini Dimensionals

Tools:

• Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine
• Take Your Pick Tool
• Paper Trimmer
• Bone Folder

All items are from the Annual Catalogue (May 2023 – April 2024) unless otherwise noted.

Bringing the Card to Life

This card embodies the beauty of layering and detail, two essential elements that transform a simple sketch into something striking. The Delicate Dahlias stamp set lends an elegant, floral touch, beautifully enhanced by the rich contrast of Night of Navy cardstock and Fancy Flora DSP.

For added depth, Mini Dimensionals create a soft lift in key areas, ensuring each layer has room to shine. The blend of Flirty Flamingo and Mossy Meadow ink adds warmth and dimension, reinforcing the natural elegance of the dahlia motif.

Inspiration in Every Detail

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this card represents the power of shared creativity. Angela Palmer’s challenge encouraged me to explore textures, color balance, and layout possibilities. Each decision, from paper selection to ink blending, was guided by the joy of crafting in collaboration with a team.

I hope this design inspires you to create your own variation, layering colors and textures in a way that speaks to your style. Have you ever participated in a team swap challenge? I’d love to hear how community creativity has influenced your crafting journey!

Happy crafting,
Linda Barnes 🎨✂️💙