Thursday, July 10, 2025

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Welcome to Linda Ann Hinde's Tranquillity Cottage blog home page. As an Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and retired teacher, I am dedicated to sharing my love of card making, scrapbooking, and planning with people who enjoy paper crafting. There will be times when I share my quilting and sewing projects, too. Don't be surprised if a picture of a favorite recipe shows up in the newsfeed since my interests are many.


My goal is to write about tips, techniques, and organizational ideas. I post a dozen card designs with free recipes on the blog each month, in addition to monthly planner suggestions, scrapbook sketches, kits, and helpful product links for select companies.


To stay in contact with you, I email a monthly newsletter with a complimentary card design with a project sheet. You will find my disclosure information on each post. I hope you enjoy the journey! Please follow my blog to receive updates.


Take care,

Linda Ann




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Tranquillity Cottage Designs
Linda Ann Hinde
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
Wisconsin, USA






Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Tips on Organizing Stampin' Up! Two-Toned Cardstock

Images Stampin’ Up!®

New 12" x 12" Two-Toned Cardstock

My order for the new cardstock from Stampin' Up!  is complete. I'm eager to try the mixed-color packages while scrapbooking and designing cards. Watch for my fall ideas! 

Two-tone cardstock offers a wealth of possibilities. It's an ideal layering option without adding bulk, and its white core means you can tear, crumple, sand, and emboss your way to fun effects, whatever your crafting skill level. Its smooth texture is ideal for stamping, making clean cuts, achieving crisp folds, and applying seamless colors. And because it's 12" x 12", you can use it as a scrapbook base or cut it to use as part of your card-making projects. 

Take care,

Linda Ann

Questions? Click on the navy button for additional blog information and quick resource inks.
Some posts contain Amazon affiliate or Stamp-n-Storage associate links, where I earn a small commission from qualified purchases. It is important to me that I only recommend quality products that I use and enjoy! I am also an Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.



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Tips on Organizing Stampin' Up! Cardstock


For years, I have been collecting organizational supplies. Cardstock was my Achilles heel. I tried expanding portfolios, paper sleeves, hanging files, vertical paper holders, and plastic totes. All of the products worked well for storing my supplies - until I started working on my paper crafts. One day, I saw an advertisement for Stamp-n-Storage located in Minnesota. They were having a sale with free shipping, so I decided to try one of their crafted wooden Paper Holders for 8.5" x 11" cardstock. Eventually, I became a Stamp-n-Storage Affiliate because I wanted to "spread the word" about their storage! 

Stamp-n-Storage Image

After creating a spreadsheet by sorting the colors according to the Hex Colors, I placed fifteen sheets of cardstock into the IKEA-sized Paper Holder. Each color had its very own slot! After a day of card making, I immediately ordered more Paper Holders. A few months later, I ordered two of the 12" x 12" units for my DSP. 



Inside each slot, I placed a Stamp-n-Storage Paper Sleeve for my scraps! Since each tab is labeled with the name of the cardstock, this idea works well to keep the paper organized. For my Designer Series Papers (DSP), I placed the cardboard info sheet inside the folder for two reasons: to reference the coordinating cardstock colors and to protect my precious paper from the sun's rays. A piece of typing paper works well in the cardstock folders, too.


One of my favorite tips for storing small leftover cardstock is using the stackable storage containers from Dollar General. (I am not an affiliate.) I found these handy containers in the cake decorating department! The containers come in various sizes. Remember to use their Saturday coupon to save money. 

Stamp-n-Storage Image

After some organization, I will be adding my newly purchased 12" x 12" Two-Toned Cardstock to the larger holders. I have a link below for a free copy of the Color Chart on how I organize the cardstock. Not only is the chart handy for use with paper, but it is also a practical way to organize Stampin' Ink Pads in the Carousel and Blends in the Marker Holder.

Stamp-n-Storage Image


Captured Section of the Printable Color Chart Spread Sheet

Have you used the Color Coach?

Another tool that I recommend for color organizing is the Color Coach. This wheel includes the colors in the Annual Catalog, but not the In Colors. 

Read more about the Stampin' Up! handy Color Coach: 



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Friday, July 4, 2025

Happy Independence Day!


Wishing You a Happy Independence Day!

"The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. The Fourth of July 2025 is on Friday, July 4."
Source: history.com

Take care,
Linda Ann

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Elevate Your Homemade Cards Using the Latest Colors and Layering Techniques


Scraps of In Colors Create an Exciting Layered Card

While in my studio at Tranquillity Cottage, most mornings are a chance to explore my creativity! Today, I was in the mood to use layering techniques. I selected Kay Kalthoff's May 2025 demonstrator team planner, "Impressions Abloom," designed by Rhonda Wade. Tearing strips of colorful Stampin' Up! cardstock in the stunning 2025-2027 In Colors is a simple yet effective technique for creating backgrounds. 

Do you enjoy layering techniques? The "Thanks for Being There" card begins with an embossed Mini Corrugated 3D layer to elevate the layout. Next comes the five torn strips and faux Secret Sea linen ribbon. Pair your cardstock with the charming flowers stamped from the Impressions Abloom set and pop up with Dimensionals for an eye-catching design. The final touch is to add bling with flat pearls. 

Thank you to Kay Kalthoff and Ronda Wade for the inspiration! 

Read more about card making ideas in today's blog post. Layered cards are an artistic way to showcase and add flair to memorable cards.

Take care,
Linda Ann


Questions? Click on the navy button for additional blog information and quick resource inks.
Some posts contain Amazon affiliate or Stamp-n-Storage associate links, where I earn a small commission from qualified purchases. It is important to me that I only recommend quality products that I use and enjoy! I am also an Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

Tips for Layering in Card Making

Base: 
  • Start with a card base using quality cardstock. Thick Basic White is a wise choice when using Stampin' Up! products. The colored card bases work well in cards, too. 
  • A2 is a common size in the USA. A few examples of A2 card bases are (height x width):
    • Portrait: 5.5" x 8.5" scored and folded at 4.25".
    • Landscape: 8.5" x 5.5" scored and folded at 4.25".
    • Tall: 11" x 4.25" scored and folded at 5.5". 
Mats:
  • Frame the layers by using mats in similar or varying shades. 
  • Mats created from Designer Series Paper will add a decorative touch to your cards. 
  • Die cutting the mats add interest, while embossing provides texture to the design. 
  • Tearing the edges of the mat creates dimension. 
  • Use inked Sponge Daubers to gently highlight or lowlight the edges of the mat to add definition. 
  • Consider tipping the mat for a non-linear creative touch. 
  • When measuring for a mat, one tip is to add an additional .25" to the height and width. Cardmakers use a variety of measurements but the additional one-fourth of an inch is easy to cut - and remember. 
Die Cuts and Punches:
  • The list of die cuts and punchs are endless! Consider using tags, flowers, labels, decorations, geometric shapes, and more to enhance the layers. 
  • Dimensionals will pop up the die cuts to make them stand out on the card. 
Embellishments:
  • Consider embellishments the jewelry to your card. They are the decorative touches that add sparkle or a personal touch to the layers. 
  • Some examples are:
    • Gems.
    • Brass butterflies, dragonflies, hearts and more.
    • Ribbon.
    • Twine.
    • Stella.

To learn more about creating the "Thanks for Being There" card, sign up for the August 2025 Newletter in the pop up box or on the sheet at the end of the HOME post.


A Free Card Project Sheet will be included.

(Note: Your information will never be sold and you can unsubscribe whenever you desire.)

Sentiment from Impressions Abloom


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Adding a Border to the Inside of the Card




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