From Stamp to Story: Celebrating Friendship with Feathered Fun

By Linda Barnes

A few weeks ago, I shared a newsletter titled Embossing Magic: Heat Embossing ✂️ (sent Thursday, 7 August 2025), where I explored the shimmering possibilities of heat embossing using the Feathered Fun Photopolymer Stamp Set. This card is one of the joyful results—a celebration of colour, texture, and friendship, brought to life through layered ink techniques and playful embossing.
By blending bold outlines with soft silhouettes, vibrant inks, and a heartfelt sentiment from Layers of Beauty, this design invites you to explore embossing with curiosity and creativity. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your technique toolkit, this project offers inspiration and a tactile treasure to share.

💌 A Friendship Card with Whimsy and Warmth

Looking for a card that celebrates friendship with colour, charm, and a touch of whimsy? This one-of-a-kind design is available for purchase now—and I’m happy to custom-make it in any colour from the current 2025–2026 Stampin’ Up! colour range to suit your style or occasion.

✨ Featured Stamp Set

Feathered Fun Photopolymer Stamp Set – Item #165336
Price: $45.00
View or purchase here
This delightful set includes 12 photopolymer stamps designed for versatility and creativity. As a Reversibles set, each stamp can be used on both sides—one for detailed outlines, the other for bold shapes. Perfect for layering, colouring, and adding personality to your projects.

🖋 Sentiment Highlight


For this card, I’ve paired the Feathered Fun images with a heartfelt sentiment from the Layers of Beauty Stamp Set:
“I can’t imagine having a better friend.”
View the Layers of Beauty set here

✨ Embossing Magic in Action

This card was part of a week-long embossing adventure I shared in my newsletter. I began by heat-embossing one of the Feathered Fun bird images in black embossing powder on Basic White cardstock. That crisp, raised outline became the perfect surface for colour play.
Here’s how the magic unfolded:

Blending Brushes: I flipped the bird stamp and gently inked the silhouette with Strawberry Slush, Granny Apple Green, and Darling Duckling. Using blending brushes, I created a soft watercolor effect. A warm “huff” reactivated the ink, but the moisture softened the vibrancy—next time I’ll stamp and wipe each colour individually for more definition

With Water Painters: I layered the same trio of inks over a second embossed pair of  birds. The fluid strokes pooled beautifully, letting each colour breathe.

Watercolor Pencils blending: On a third panel, I used Watercolor Pencils (Real Red, Granny Apple Green, Daffodil Delight) and softened the lines with a Blender Pen for a painterly finish

Alcohol markers: My final panel featured Stampin’ Blends in light and dark shades of Darling Duckling, Strawberry Slush, Granny Apple Green, and Pecan Pie—creating sleek contrast and polished saturation.

🧰 Card Recipe – Supplies & Measurements

Here’s a peek behind the scenes at the materials and dimensions I used to bring this card to life:


✂️ Cardstock

    • Base: Strawberry Slush A4, cut at 14.85cm and scored at 11.5cm
    • Basic Black:
    • 2 pieces at 13.8cm × 9.5cm
    • 1 piece at 8cm × 11.5cm
    • Strawberry Slush:
    • 9cm × 13.3cm
    • Accent strip: 3cm × 9cm
    • Basic White:
    • Front panel: 9cm × 12.8cm
    • Inside panel: 13.4cm × 9.8cm

      🎨 Ink & Colouring

    • Ink Pads: Darling Duckling, Strawberry Slush, Granny Apple Green
    • Versamark Ink
    • Write Markers in coordinating colours
    • Black Embossing Powder
    • Water Painters

    🛠 Tools & Embellishments

      • Clear Block (Size E)
      • Stampin’ Up! Cut & Emboss Machine
      • Paper Trimmer
      • Stamp & Scrub + Mist Spray Cleaner
      • Multipurpose Liquid Glue
      • Dimensionals
      • Bee Trinkets
      • Paper Snips
      • Retired Fern Embossing Folder
      • Retired Garden Meadow Dies – Item #162740
      • Take Your Pick Tool + Crafter Tips
      • Stamparatus (retired but still loved

    🌈 Custom Colours Available

    Want this card in a different palette? I’m happy to recreate it using any colour from the 2025–2026 Stampin’ Up! catalogue. Just let me know your preference!

    📬 To order or!) inquire:

    Email me at linda@risk-eyzonestamp.co.nz
    I’d love to help you send a little joy to someone special.

    🛍️ One Card Available – Ready to Ship

    I currently have one premade card available for purchase featuring this design.  If you’d like this card.

    Currently available for purchase 

    To inquire  simply email me at linda@risk-eyzonestamp.co.nz. I’m happy to answer any questions.