Kendra’s Card Challenge #21 – Card #14

Day 14 of 15 | Sketch 14

We’re nearing the finish line!

Card #14 brings a fun tag-style element into the spotlight. This sketch immediately stood out to me because it allows for a larger focal panel while still highlighting the surrounding patterned paper.

For this design, I continued using the Doodlebug “Snow Much Fun” 6x6 collection. The playful winter characters create an energetic backdrop, while the centered snowflake panel keeps the composition grounded. I added a coordinating strip that reads “Snow Much Fun” to tie the theme together and reinforce the winter vibe.

The oversized tag shape draws the eye upward, and the ribbon detail gives the card a gift-like feel. It almost doubles as a keepsake tag while still functioning as a traditional greeting card. The layered squares add depth without overwhelming the busy print underneath.

This layout required precise placement since the tag panel overlaps multiple patterns. I secured everything with my Tape Runner to keep the layers flat and clean. If you’re assembling multi-layered designs like this, having reliable adhesive makes a noticeable difference. You can visit www.taperunner.com and use code AMALIA10 for 10% off your order.

What I appreciate most about Sketch 14 is how it blends structure with playfulness. It feels cheerful, dimensional, and full of movement.

Only one card left in this challenge!

Have you enjoyed the tag-style layouts in this series? Let me know your thoughts — I love hearing how these sketches inspire you.

— Amalia

 

 

Kendra’s Card Challenge #21 – Card #9

Day 9 of 15 | Letting Patterned Paper Shine

Welcome to Day 9 of my Kendra’s Card Challenge #21 series!
This challenge continues to show how far you can stretch six 6x6 sheets of patterned paper by following Kendra’s cutting guide and sketches.

👉 If you’re just joining in, be sure to check out the earlier cards in this series to see how the same cuts create a wide variety of designs.

Card #9: I Just Wanted to Say

Card #9 focuses on clean layering and playful pattern mixing while staying true to the original sketch. The snowman pattern from the Snow Much Fun paper pad becomes the star of the card, framed with coordinating mats to add structure without overwhelming the design.

I kept embellishments minimal so the patterned paper could really shine. A few enamel dots add subtle dimension, and the sentiment strip grounds the card while keeping it versatile for many occasions.

Strong adhesive is essential when working with layered mats and larger focal panels. I used Tape Runner adhesive to keep everything flat, secure, and perfectly aligned.

👉 Save 10% at TapeRunner.com with code Amalia10

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Products Used

Patterned Paper:
Doodlebug Designs Snow Much Fun 6x6 Paper Pad
Shop here: https://tidd.ly/3Zd7WSC

Cardstock:
White A2 card base + coordinating solids
Shop here: https://tidd.ly/4k6ZPAN

Adhesive:
Tape Runner
👉 TapeRunner.com
👉 Use code Amalia10 for 10% off

Embellishments:
Enamel dots, shop here: https://tidd.ly/3NGAFwN

Sentiment:
“I Just Wanted to Say”

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Card #9 is a great example of how simple layers and cohesive papers can create a polished card without extra steps or supplies.

📌 Check back daily as I continue sharing all 15 cards from Kendra’s Card Challenge #21!

🎥 Learn more about the challenge here:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=654MpJDjP4U

Back in the Saddle with Gumpaste Lavender

It's been a while since I posted anything cake related so I thought I would share what did for a party this weekend. 

I made 24 gumpaste lavender stems last week and baked some chocolate chip cupcakes for a family party. It was the first in at least 6 years that I have done anything at this level. Working with gumpaste is very different than working with icing in a piping bag. Some would say it is easier because it doesn't require the same skill set. If I didn't have that skill set, I would agree. Since I do know my way around a piping bag, I think piping these out onto the cupcakes would have been faster, and therefore easier. 

I don't know why I didn't pipe these on instead of making them in gumpaste. These definitely give off a fancy vibe and while it was a family gathering, I wanted them to be extra special for this occasion. 

Each flower and leaf was painstakingly made by hand and assembled. I was glad I did it. I confirmed for myself that I've still got it!

I had all the supplies that I needed, I just needed some fresh gumpaste. Literally, everything else was in my stash, plus, plus, plus!

I will share a video on how I made them on my YouTube channel soon, so stay tuned for that.

Thanksgiving Cornucopia Cake Class

Once a year I offer a special project class in November, the week before the Thanksgiving Holiday. I call it a Cornucopia but is also know as a Horn of Plenty.

In this class we use a cupcake or a muffin as the base to create the horn shaped basket that holds the overflowing bounty of the fall harvest. I teach students how to make all the fruits and veg with buttercream icing. I love this project and I have made a number of these over the years.


It's a little old fashioned looking but that's exactly what I like about it!




I am offering the class on Sunday, November 22nd from 12:30 to 2:30 pm. That's just in time to serve for your Thanksgiving dessert.



Here is the supply list needed for the class, maybe I will see you there!

Supplies needed for Cornucopia Cake Project Class

- 1 large cupcake or muffin

- 1 10 inch round caked, iced and ready to decorate (optional)

- 2 Recipes decorating icing (recipe on previous page)

· Icing colored and separated as follows:

- ¼ cup of Red(tomatoes)

- ¾ cup of white(cauliflower)

- 1 ½ cups green (Cabbage, cauliflower, etc.)

- ¾ cup orange(carrots)

- ¾ cup golden yellow(corn)

- 2 cups Ivory

- Wax paper

- #7 flower nail

- Decorating turntable (optional but very useful)

- a tablespoon of cornstarch

- Cake Sparkles, white (optional but highly recommended)

- Small angled spatula and Flower lifter (or food safe scissors)

- Bath Towel and Paper towels

- Gallon size zip-lock bag

- Scotch tape

- A Show n Serve board or cake plate

- Small serrated knife

- Large disposable plastic cups

- You will need the following tips in the quantities listed:

- #21, #104, #233, #103, (3) #5, #349, #7, #14

- Additional tips if we have time for extra’s, #2 or #3

- Advanced preparation is important, please bring bags of icing filled and marked as follows:

- Clear disposable bag or 12 inch re-useable bag with ivory colored icing and tip #21

- 2 clear disposable bags each fitted w/a coupler with green icing

· one bag marked “green, tip #104 and tip #103

· one bag marked “green, tip #7, tip #14 and tip #349

- Clear disposable bag “yellow, tip #233” (or tip 3 if you cannot find #233)

- Clear disposable bags or 8 inch re-useable bags filled and marked as follows:

- Red, tip #5

- White, tip #5

- Orange, tip #5

Decorating icing (double batch recipe)

- 4 tablespoons water, milk or cream

- 2 teaspoon Wilton clear vanilla extract

- 2 teaspoon Wilton clear butter extract

- 2 teaspoon Wilton clear almond extract

- pinch of salt (optional) let salt dissolve with liquids before adding next ingredient

- 2 cup solid vegetable shortening

· Cream liquid and shortening on low speed until combined

- 2 lb. Sifted confectioner's sugar mixed with 6 tablespoons Wilton meringue powder

· Cover mixer with a kitchen towel and blend on low/medium speed with creamed shortening until fully combined, do not over mix.